Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Saint-Thierry Abbey, located in the eponymous village near Reims, was founded around 500 by Thierry du Mont d'Hor. Originally dedicated to Saint Barthélemy, she became Benedictine around 974 under the impulse of Adalberon of Reims, who transferred the relics of St Thierry there. This cult eventually replaces Bartholomew's. The abbey was a major place of prayer and scholarship, home to a rich library of manuscripts, some of which are now preserved in Reims, the Vatican or the BnF.

In 1627, the abbey joined the Congregation of Saint Maur, but it was abolished in 1695 by Louis XIV to compensate for the creation of the Archdiocese of Cambrai, a decision ratified by Pope Innocent XII in 1696. Transformed into the residence of the archbishops of Reims, it was shaved in 1777, leaving only the 12th century capitular hall standing. Monastic life reborn in 1968 with the arrival of the Benedictines of Vanves, perpetuating a tradition of prayer and hospitality.

His notable abbots include St Thierry du Mont d'Hor (512–533), founder of the monastery, and William de Saint-Thierry (1121–1135), influential theologian. The abbey was also led by comndataires such as Paul de Bailly (1613–49). His written heritage, inventoried by Bernard de Montfaucon in 1739, bears witness to his intellectual influence. Today, the classified remains (capitular room, fountain, columns) remind its millennium history.

Future

After two centuries of interruption, monastic life resumed on the hill of Saint-Thierry when the Benedictines of the congregation of Vanves arrived in 1968.

The long tradition of prayer, hospitality, work began to be reborn.

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