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Origin and history

The Priory of Val-des-Écoliers, located at 40 rue Vinchon in Laon (Aisne), finds its origins in the 7th century as asylum for poor schoolchildren, founded by archdeacon Ithar. At that time, the school in Laon, renowned throughout Europe, attracted many students. The bishop of Maulny expelled the schoolchildren for the benefit of the Augustinians, chaplains of the Royal Palace, who preached in the cathedral. This change marked the transformation of the place into a Augustinian priory.

In the 17th century, after a fire in 1648, the building was rebuilt with an arched door. At the beginning of the 18th century, the Augustines, reduced to one member, were replaced by Minimes. During the French Revolution, the priory was confiscated as national property and sold to Duchange. In 1927, two doors on street, the old chapel and three 17th century skylights were listed in the inventory of historical monuments.

The site preserves architectural traces of its medieval and classical periods, including the 15th-17th century chapel. Its history reflects the religious and social evolutions of Laon, from its initial educational role to its revolutionary secularization. Today, it bears witness to the religious and school heritage of the Hauts-de-France region.

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