Abbey of Saint-Georges

Saint-Martin-de-Boscherville, France

Saint-Georges de Boscherville Abbey is a former Benedictine abbey. It was founded in about 1113 by Guillaume de Tancarville on the site of an earlier establishment of secular canons and settled by monks from the Abbey of Saint-Evroul. The abbey church made of Caumont stone was erected from 1113 to 1140. The Norman builders aimed to have very well-lit naves and they did this by means of tall, large windows, initially made possible by a wooden ceiling, which prevented uplift, although this was replaced by a Gothic vault in the 13th century. The chapter room was built after the abbey church and dates from the last quarter of the 12th century.

The arrival of the Maurist monks in 1659, after the disasters of the Wars of Religion, helped to get the abbey back on a firmer spiritual, architectural and economic footing. They erected a large monastic building one wing of which fitted tightly around the chapter house (which was otherwise left as it was). The symmetrical wing was used solely for the library - the monks were extremely learned. All that remains is the central part of this restored building. Once again we can see the splendour of its complex vaults which play on the colour of the stones. This building, erected in the classical style from 1690 to 1694, gave onto gardens upon which work began in 1680.

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Details

Founded: 1113
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

brian papworth (5 months ago)
Beautiful gardens and views from it . We loved the maze . Such a peaceful place to walk round.
Paul Simkin (8 months ago)
Beautiful place, off the main road to Rouen. We'll worth a visit. Stunning 1000 Yr old church. Superb for History buffs.
Walter Bettens (2 years ago)
Worth a visit for history buffs and garden lovers. Don't forget the church and enjoy the view over the surrounding area from the top of the garden.
Ling Watson (2 years ago)
Such a cute church and pretty garden. I would highly recommend start a stroll in the church first- it’s small and cute so won’t take much time. Look above the entryway for the pretty organ and take a few step to see the church. The better part of the visit is the garden. Each step you will discover something interesting in the garden as it ascends for better views. The maze at the top of the hill is fun to get into but might take a bit to find a way out. Happy travel
Christopher Daly (2 years ago)
Surrendered by the monks after the French revolution, this Abbey now functions as local church. The architecture is beautiful, and the gardens are very nice.
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