Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Abbey of Basse-Fontaine, founded in the 12th century, is a former Abbey of the Order of Premontrés. It is located in Brienne-la-Vieille, in the Aube department, in the Grand Est region, on the right bank of the Aube. The abbey was probably founded on January 22, 1143 by Gautier II, Count of Brienne, who admired the piety of the monks and wished to have them near his castle for his devotions before hunting. The name of the abbey comes from a nearby fountain, in a forest where Gautier II liked to hunt.

The abbey housed a female community of Norbertines as early as 1166. She benefited from many donations, including the Brienne family, such as the Nuisement barn at Aujon in 1161, and the donations of the bishop of Langres and Jacques, seigneur of Chacenay. Among the preserved relics were the finger of Saint John the Baptist, who was transferred to the church of Brienne-la-Veille after the destruction of the abbey. Several personalities, including Jehan de Brienne, died in 1293, were buried there.

In 1768, the royal edict on the reform of religious houses led to the abolition of the abbey. It was reunited at Beaulieu's in 1773, under the agreement of his last abbot, Louis-Marie-Athanase de Loménie de Brienne. After its closure, the building became a farmhouse. The cloister of the abbey was listed as historical monuments on 10 June 1926.

The Abbey of Basse-Fontaine was the daughter of the Abbey of Beaulieu. Its architecture, although partially disappeared, bears witness to its historical and religious importance in the region. Today, it remains a vestige of the medieval heritage of the Dawn, marked by its link with the Brienne family and the order of the Premonstrated.

External links