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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The commandory of Neuilly-sous-Clermont came into being in the 12th century, founded by the Templars before moving to 1312 under the order of Saint John of Jerusalem after the dissolution of the order of the Temple. This site, originally dedicated to religious and agricultural functions, was deeply marked by conflicts, requiring major reconstruction in the 15th and 16th centuries. At the French Revolution, like all ecclesiastical property, the commandery was confiscated by the state, putting an end to its traditional religious role.

The present architectural complex consists of a chapel of Templar origin, remodeled in the 14th century and decorated with medieval murals, as well as a house completed in 1562. The enclosure walls, mentioned as early as the 16th century in the archives, suggest a partially defensive vocation, with parcels organized in length, with the exception of two square spaces evoking ancient forts. These elements, combined with an outdoor cellar and the remains of the walls, testify to the strategic and economic importance of the site throughout the centuries.

In the 20th century, the Commanderie was reborn thanks to Jean and Maddy Ariès, former curators of the Musée de Sceaux, who acquired the estate in 1961. Between 1962 and 1980, they designed French-style gardens, now listed in the pre-inventory of remarkable gardens. These gardens, together with the historic buildings, have allowed the command office to retain a major place in the local heritage. The site, classified as Historical Monument since 1913 and partially listed in 2013, thus illustrates nearly nine centuries of history, from crusaders to contemporary preservation projects.

The historical sources, including the works of Valérie Bessey and Eugène Mannier, underline the role of the commandery in Picardie's hospital network after 1312. The archives also mention agricultural land, orchards and vineyards, framed by walls, some of which may date back to the 16th century. These elements confirm the economic importance of the estate, linked to the production of wine and cereals, typical of the rural settlements managed by religious orders in the Middle Ages.

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