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Origin and history

The Priory of l'Oiselière, located in Saint-Planchers near Granville, finds its origins in the 11th century as a dependency of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. Founded in 1022 by Richard II of Normandy, it was used to exploit land and collect taxes, while sheltering seigneurial justice. The site, surrounded by fortified walls and moat, was mentioned for the first time under the name of Oselière in 1321, when its chapel was built. The wood of the Prael, linked to the priory, was mentioned in 1294 in acts of donation to the monks.

During the Hundred Years War, the priory suffered major damage. In 1420, Abbé Jolivet, a refugee at the Birdière, negotiated with the King of England to preserve the income of Mont-Saint-Michel, leaving the monks in poverty. In 1442, after 25 years of English occupation, the French took over Granville and looted the mansion, partially burning. These conflicts mark a temporary decline in the site.

In the Renaissance, Abbé Guillaume de Lamps undertook important work between 1509 and 151X, adding a western wing to the mansion and setting up terraced gardens instead of the old ramparts. His brother completed these transformations, giving the priory his characteristic graceful style. The site also became a refuge for personalities such as Arthur de Cossé (1562–87), bishop of Coutances and abbot commendataire of Mont-Saint-Michel, who died there in 1587.

The trading abbots, more concerned with income than maintenance, let the house deteriorate. In 1698, the Oiselière was described as a barony, highlighting the extent of its estate, including the wood of Prael (disappeared since). During the Revolution, the land was sold as national property. In the 19th century, the site was looted for its materials: the chapel was divided into dwellings, and the defenses (douves, pregnant) fell into ruins.

The restoration begins after its inscription in the Historic Monuments on November 27, 1989. The works reveal elements of the 11th, 16th and 18th centuries, such as foothills, a defensive turret, or a circular fountain of the 16th century. Today, the priory keeps his mansion, his farm, an imposing dovecoier (witness of a field of 12,000 acres), and French gardens, all in puddingue and schist.

The ensemble illustrates the close links between Mont-Saint-Michel and medieval Normandy, as well as the architectural transformations associated with conflicts and periods of peace. Its history also reflects the economic and religious stakes of Norman abbeys, between seigneurial exploitation and post-Revolution decline.

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