Construction of the first elements XIIe siècle (≈ 1250)
Medieval origins of the college.
1875
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1875 (≈ 1875)
Official protection of remains.
21 juin 2019
Partial collapse
Partial collapse 21 juin 2019 (≈ 2019)
Major structural damage.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church of St. Thomas (rests): list by 1875
Key figures
Thomas Becket - Archbishop of Canterbury
Dedication of the college.
Origin and history
The Collège Saint-Thomas de Crépy-en-Valois, located on Rue de la Hante, is a religious building whose oldest elements date back to the 12th century. Ranked a historic monument in 1875, it is dedicated to Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, and illustrates the medieval architecture of the region. Its remains, although partially collapsed in 2019, remain a symbol of the religious and historical heritage of Valois.
Crépy-en-Valois, the former capital of Valois County, developed in the 10th century around its castle and religious buildings. The collegiate Saint-Thomas, with its medieval roots, reflects the influence of the Counts of Valois, vassals of the kings of France until the integration of the territory with the Crown in 1213. The city, marked by the Hundred Years' War and subsequent conflicts, has seen its architectural heritage evolve, but the college remains a key witness to this history.
In 2019, a partial collapse of the structure highlighted the fragility of the monument. Thanks to funding, including a contribution of €300,000 from the Heritage Lotto, restoration work has been undertaken to preserve this emblematic place. The college, although partially in ruins, continues to attract attention for its role in local history and its characteristic architecture.
The Hauts-de-France region, and especially the Oise region, is home to a rich medieval heritage. Crepy-en-Valois, with its ramparts, churches and remains, embodies this story. The Saint-Thomas college, with its seniority and ranking, occupies a central place in this cultural landscape, recalling the religious and political importance of the city in the Middle Ages.
Today, the collegiate Saint-Thomas, although partially in ruins, remains a place of memory and a symbol of the resilience of the local heritage. Its history, linked to that of the Counts of Valois and the urban evolution of Crépy-en-Valois, makes it an essential monument to understand the medieval heritage of the region.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review