Abbaye Notre-Dame de la Sainte-Trinité de Thiron

Thiron-Gardais

The abbey was founded by Bernard of Tiron (c. 1046–1117), a former hermit born in the Ponthieu, with the support of Count Rotrou III of Perche, from 1109–1114. Faithful to a very austere Benedictine observance, the founding church was meant to be devoid of ornament. In the 12th century, the Tironensian order spread as far as England, Ireland and the Scottish Highlands, governing twenty-two abbeys and more than a hundred priories. A classical college was set up in the 17th century, followed by a military college, bringing commercial growth to the town.

Getting there : Church listed as a historic monument in 1912; facades and roofs of the presbytery registered in 1962; tithe barn, military college, dovecote, watchtower and remains registered in 2001

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound