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Origin and history

Notre-Dame de Bellebranche Abbey, founded in 1152 by Robert III de Sablé, is a Cistercian abbey located in Saint-Brice, south-east of Mayenne. It is the 389th foundation of the Order of Cîteaux, born under the influence of the lords of Sablé, Château-Gontier and Anthenaise. The monks establish a prosperous estate, including ponds, woods, vineyards and farmhouses, thanks to the donations of the local noble families.

In the 14th century, the abbey suffered serious destruction during the Hundred Years' War, notably by English troops. The monks then took refuge in the abbey house, while the buildings were looted and burned. Despite attempts at restoration, such as the one initiated by Bishop John of Hierray in 1451, the abbey struggled to regain its former splendor. The religious conflicts of the 16th century, especially the pillaging by the Huguenots, further aggravated its decline.

In 1607, the abbey was united at the Jesuit college of La Flèche by a papal bubble, marking the end of its monastic autonomy. The religious resist first, but the Conventual Mens was finally integrated into the college in 1686. The last monks left the place, and the buildings, sold as national goods in 1793-1794, gradually disappeared. Today, there are only remains, including the abbey house and the Saint-Michel Tower, inscribed in the historical monuments.

The abbey of Bellebranche was organized around an abbey church on a Latin cross, a cloister and outbuildings such as infirmary and farmhouses. Its architecture, partially documented by 18th century drawings, reveals a simple nave with a frame bell tower and Romanesque bays. The liturgical objects, described in a 1762 report, bear witness to a modest but significant artistic heritage, with antependiums and an organ buffet.

The archives of the abbey, preserved at the Archives départementales de la Sarthe et de la Mayenne, offer a valuable insight into its history. Documents include medieval charters, donation registers and correspondence related to the conflicts that marked its existence. These sources allow us to trace its evolution, from its foundation to its gradual disappearance after the Revolution.

The abbey was closely linked to the noble families of the region, such as the Sablé and Château-Gontier, who were buried there. Their graves, looted during wars, symbolize the decline of this once powerful monastery. Today, the site, partially restored, recalls the importance of Cistercian abbeys in the religious and economic landscape of western France.

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