We are starting to ask questions about our property, in Normandy France, built 1131, It is an Abbey and there are several walls surounding the abbey itself but this was not as secure as the walls around our main house? what would be the reason for this? All other Abbeys or Bishops Abbots homes are not so secure... whats your view...
These Bishops were among the richest and most powerfull Lords around at the time. Their wealth lay in the lands they owned and the influence they held. No wonder they built fortified palaces since firstly, they could afford to, secondly, they may have backed the wrong monarch or prince therefore they needed to defend themselves, thirdly, the Abbeys were expendable whereas their own palaces were not.
Thank you for your kind reply, brilliant, I did not realise this, The quality of the stone buildings are lovely and well done, and we appreciate the quality, understanding why, how, helps. The property has been empty for over 150 years apart from poor farm peasants not our discription the estate agents, hence the condition. the whole property was stripped of it's lovely gates, oak doors, windows etc.. they went as fixtures and fittings, now we have the task of replacing them as original as possible. although it's not listed, it's worth it for the next generation to enjoy. It's just great fun exploring new places there.
You have me confused. An abbey is headed by an abbot. Bishops normally live beside their cathedral.
There was a hybrid in the Middle Ages - the monastic cathedral. This was a cathedral served by monks. The titular head was the bishop, but the monastery was actually run by his deputy, the prior. So they were known as cathedral priories.
I am only going on what is on the coat of arms there is a Bishops hat, plus Bishop Huet lived in the maion which was built by his employer the King, for teaching his son the Dauphin, The Abbot lived in the other house here on the estate built earlier, this information was on the internet, so I am going on what I read, not what is true I had no reason to query, maybe this estate where the Monks lived, was a place for all religious personnel to stay..?
I would love to know what the coat of arms relates to, maybe Ricardus de Humet maybe? Henry II chief Constable?
