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Origin and history

The Collège de la Sainte-Trinité de Thil, built in the 2nd quarter of the 14th century, is a Gothic masterpiece located on the hillside of Thil in Vic-sous-Thil (Côte-d Anybody). Founded by Jean de Thil, local lord, it was consecrated on August 12, 1344 by Guillaume d'Auxonne. King Philip of Valois ratified his creation in 1343, reserving his funeral use to the lords of Thil, to their families, and to the members of the chapter. The current remains, classified as a historical monument in 1905, combine a 12th century nave with a 15th century choir.

The history of the college is marked by its religious and social role. In 1793, the National Convention requisitions one of its bells (1730) as national property, sold to equip the temple of La Chaux. Several canons, such as Antoine Blandin (refusing the oath to the Civil Constitution of the clergy in 1790) or Étienne Le Prince (dean of the Holy Chapel in 1515), illustrate his influence. The graves, including that of Henri Sayve (Lieutenant General of Burgundy, †1672), underline its necropolitical importance.

Architecturally, the college dominates the valleys of the Serein and the Armançon from a limestone hill culminating at 481 m above sea level. His founding act (10 March 1340) specifies the exclusive burial rights for lords and donors. The ruins, today protected, recall its past as a place of spiritual and seigneurial power in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

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