Logo Musée du Patrimoine

All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

Chaplaincy of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois en Indre-et-Loire

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine religieux
Aumônerie
Maison classée MH
Indre-et-Loire

Chaplaincy of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois

    Le Bourg
    37800 Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois
Crédit photo : Havang(nl) - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1400
1500
1900
2000
1400 (environ)
Initial Boucicaut project
10 août 1415
Official Foundation by Charter
14 mai 1937
Registration for Historic Monuments
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Chaplaincy (former): by order of 14 May 1937

Key figures

Jean le Meingre, dit Boucicaut - Marshal of France and Lord Founded chaplaincy in 1415.
Jehan de Craon - Lord of Montbazon Authorised creation by charter.
Jeanne d'Arc - Historical figure (local tradition) Could have stopped.

Origin and history

The chaplaincy of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois was built in 1415 under the impulse of Jean le Meingre, dit Boucicaut, Marshal of France and local lord. This building, located in the village, was intended to accommodate poor pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. It included a chapel dedicated to St James, three dormitories (including one for the needy), as well as a courtyard, a garden and land. The building was founded with the agreement of Jehan de Craon, lord of Montbazon, as evidenced by a charter dated August 10, 1415, formalizing the perpetual union of lands and buildings to this work of mercy.

The chaplaincy, conceived as a place of welcome and charity, reflected the medieval Christian values of hospitality towards travellers and the poor. The 1415 text highlights Boucicaut's devotion to honoring God by creating this institution in his barrony. Although the interior has been altered over the centuries, the building retains its status as a historic monument, registered since 1937. A local tradition also evokes a possible stop by Jeanne d'Arc in this place during his visit to Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois.

Architecturally, the chaplaincy consists of a building body on the ground floor surmounted by a high level, typical of medieval utility buildings. Its location on the pilgrims' road made it a strategic milestone, illustrating the role of the local lords in organizing the networks of charity and support for travellers. Today owned by the commune, the site remains a testimony of the religious and social history of the Touraine at the beginning of the 15th century.

External links