https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/15026 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/105/57/EF/323415.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/15026 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:45:55 +0000 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:45:55 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926284 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-01,doc-43926284 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 14:08:59 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926284"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/62/84/43926284.c141f31e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="191" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux.<br /> <br /> The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. <br /> <br /> The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). <br /> <br /> The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. <br /> <br /> The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished. Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.</div> Braine - Saint-Yved <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926284"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/62/84/43926284.c141f31e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="191" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux.<br /> <br /> The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. <br /> <br /> The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). <br /> <br /> The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. <br /> <br /> The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished. Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926038 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-01,doc-43926038 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 12:51:32 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926038"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/60/38/43926038.4cba96d9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux.<br /> <br /> The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. <br /> <br /> The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). <br /> <br /> The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. <br /> <br /> The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.</div> Braine - Saint-Yved <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43926038"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/60/38/43926038.4cba96d9.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In early medieval times Braine was the summer residence of Merovingian and Carolingian kings. It later became the property of the Capetian Counts of Dreux.<br /> <br /> The relics of Saint Yved (= Yved de Rouen) were transferred to an abbey church in Braine already in the 9th century. From 1130 ths was a Premonstratensians abbey, founded by Saint Norbert in Prémontré, near Laon, just ten years ago. <br /> <br /> The abbey church, seen here, was built at the request of Agnès de Baudement, wife of Robert I, Count of Dreux, who was the 5th son of Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat"). <br /> <br /> The church served as a necropolis for the House of Dreux over centuries. <br /> <br /> The buildings of the abbey suffered greatly during the Revolution, and were gradually demolished.<br /> <br /> Unfortunately the former abbey church was locked.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925760 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-01,doc-43925760 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:59:37 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925760"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/57/60/43925760.58760b83.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The construction of the "Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais" was begun about 1177, replacing a preceding Carolingian church, that was set on fire by soldiers of Hugh the Great, Hugh Capet´s father, in 948.<br /> <br /> The choir was completed in 1211, but work slowed down due to the Hundred Years' War, and so the second tower was never built. The cathedral got finally consecrated in 1479. The cathedral is 110 metres long!<br /> <br /> It got looted and vandalized during the Wars of Religion, when the Huguenots had occupied Soissons. Rebuilt again, but then severely mutilated by revolutionists end of the 18th century. During the time of Napoleon I, gunpowder was stored inside, what ended in an explosion. A "historic monument" since 1862, the structure was severely damaged again by shell fire during WWI.</div> Soissons - Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925760"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/57/60/43925760.58760b83.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The construction of the "Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais" was begun about 1177, replacing a preceding Carolingian church, that was set on fire by soldiers of Hugh the Great, Hugh Capet´s father, in 948.<br /> <br /> The choir was completed in 1211, but work slowed down due to the Hundred Years' War, and so the second tower was never built. The cathedral got finally consecrated in 1479. The cathedral is 110 metres long!<br /> <br /> It got looted and vandalized during the Wars of Religion, when the Huguenots had occupied Soissons. Rebuilt again, but then severely mutilated by revolutionists end of the 18th century. During the time of Napoleon I, gunpowder was stored inside, what ended in an explosion. A "historic monument" since 1862, the structure was severely damaged again by shell fire during WWI.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925584 tag:ipernity.com,2016-12-01,doc-43925584 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 11:14:40 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925584"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/84/43925584.4a948600.240.jpg?r2" width="159" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The construction of the "Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais" was begun about 1177, replacing a preceding Carolingian church, that was set on fire by soldiers of Hugh the Great, Hugh Capet´s father, in 948.<br /> <br /> The choir was completed in 1211, but work slowed down due to the Hundred Years' War, and so the second tower was never built. The cathedral got finally consecrated in 1479.<br /> <br /> It got looted and vandalized during the Wars of Religion, when the Huguenots had occupied Soissons. Rebuilt again, but then severely mutilated by revolutionists end of the 18th century. During the time of Napoleon I, gunpowder was stored inside, what ended in an explosion. A "historic monument" since 1862, the structure was severely damaged again by shell fire during WWI.</div> Soissons - Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43925584"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/84/43925584.4a948600.240.jpg?r2" width="159" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The construction of the "Cathédrale Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais" was begun about 1177, replacing a preceding Carolingian church, that was set on fire by soldiers of Hugh the Great, Hugh Capet´s father, in 948.<br /> <br /> The choir was completed in 1211, but work slowed down due to the Hundred Years' War, and so the second tower was never built. The cathedral got finally consecrated in 1479.<br /> <br /> It got looted and vandalized during the Wars of Religion, when the Huguenots had occupied Soissons. Rebuilt again, but then severely mutilated by revolutionists end of the 18th century. During the time of Napoleon I, gunpowder was stored inside, what ended in an explosion. A "historic monument" since 1862, the structure was severely damaged again by shell fire during WWI.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43870560 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43870560 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 22:37:15 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43870560"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/60/43870560.a9798b0e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="205" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon" is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Laon - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43870560"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/05/60/43870560.a9798b0e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="205" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon" is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43865042 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43865042 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 17:01:26 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43865042"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/42/43865042.8ea2f220.240.jpg?r2" width="138" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. <br /> <br /> Laon had one of the most important cathedral schools in the 11th/12th century. Anselm of Laon and his brother Radulf taught here from about 1090 on . Peter Abelard moved to Laon to attend the lectures of Anselm on biblical exegesis. But when soon after Abelard began to offer his own lectures, he got expelled from this school by Anselm in 1113.</div> Laon - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43865042"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/42/43865042.8ea2f220.240.jpg?r2" width="138" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. <br /> <br /> Laon had one of the most important cathedral schools in the 11th/12th century. Anselm of Laon and his brother Radulf taught here from about 1090 on . Peter Abelard moved to Laon to attend the lectures of Anselm on biblical exegesis. But when soon after Abelard began to offer his own lectures, he got expelled from this school by Anselm in 1113.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864786 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43864786 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 16:25:14 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/86/43864786.3d7c1663.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Laon - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/47/86/43864786.3d7c1663.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864154 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43864154 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 14:04:08 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864154"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/54/43864154.b5269001.240.jpg?r2" width="173" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. <br /> <br /> Laon had one of the most important cathedral schools in the 11th/12th century. Anselm of Laon and his brother Radulf taught here from about 1090 on . Peter Abelard moved to Laon to attend the lectures of Anselm on biblical exegesis. But when soon after Abelard began to offer his own lectures, he got expelled from this school by Anselm in 1113.</div> Laon - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43864154"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/54/43864154.b5269001.240.jpg?r2" width="173" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France. <br /> <br /> Laon had one of the most important cathedral schools in the 11th/12th century. Anselm of Laon and his brother Radulf taught here from about 1090 on . Peter Abelard moved to Laon to attend the lectures of Anselm on biblical exegesis. But when soon after Abelard began to offer his own lectures, he got expelled from this school by Anselm in 1113.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863396 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43863396 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 10:35:25 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863396"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/96/43863396.bf8bf194.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="134" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have been here a couple of times ... approaching Loan slowly is awesome ... again and again<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Approaching Laon <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863396"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/33/96/43863396.bf8bf194.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="134" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have been here a couple of times ... approaching Loan slowly is awesome ... again and again<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863192 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-25,doc-43863192 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 09:47:50 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863192"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/92/43863192.3366d7f6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="143" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have been here a couple of times ... approaching Loan slowly is awesome ... again and again<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Approaching Laon <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43863192"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/31/92/43863192.3366d7f6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="143" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">I have been here a couple of times ... approaching Loan slowly is awesome ... again and again<br /> <br /> -<br /> <br /> Laon, placed on a ridge and overlooking the flat Picardy plain, was a strategic, fortified site, already in Roman times. St. Remi founded a bishopric here in 487. Laon was a very important place in the kingdom of the Franks. <br /> <br /> A Carolingian cathedral, consecrated in 800 in the presence of Charlemagne, existed here. The Carolingian structure got replaced two centuries later by a Romanesque structure, consecrated in 1071.<br /> <br /> This cathedral was torched by the citizens during the Easter Insurrection on 25 April 1112. Bishop Waldric (aka "Gaudry"), who had served as Lord Chancellor and Lord Keeper of England, from 1103 to 1107 (described as greedy and very violent) was killed during the uproar. The cathedral got repaired, but in the end demolished to give room for the present cathedral. <br /> <br /> The construction began about 1160. The nave was completed after 1205. The "Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon", towering over the town, is a wonderful, early example of the Gothic style that developed in Northern France.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860150 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43860150 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 23:41:31 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860150"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/50/43860150.2c472d65.240.jpg?r2" width="149" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Martin was erected within the 13th century on a "greek-cross floor plan". When Montcornet burnt down in 1547, the church got severely damaged, the bell tower collapsed and destroyed the porch. The church got rebuilt and reconstructed with buttresses. The two towers, seen here, flanking the facade were added 1609/1610. <br /> <br /> During the French Revolution the church became a "Temple of Reason" and was later used as a saltpeter factory. Restoration started within the 19th century. <br /> <br /> The church suffered damage again in WWI, when it was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers, and during WWII, when in 1940 a train, loaded with ammunition, exploded in the trainstaion of Montcornet.</div> Montcornet - Saint-Martin <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860150"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/01/50/43860150.2c472d65.240.jpg?r2" width="149" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Martin was erected within the 13th century on a "greek-cross floor plan". When Montcornet burnt down in 1547, the church got severely damaged, the bell tower collapsed and destroyed the porch. The church got rebuilt and reconstructed with buttresses. The two towers, seen here, flanking the facade were added 1609/1610. <br /> <br /> During the French Revolution the church became a "Temple of Reason" and was later used as a saltpeter factory. Restoration started within the 19th century. <br /> <br /> The church suffered damage again in WWI, when it was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers, and during WWII, when in 1940 a train, loaded with ammunition, exploded in the trainstaion of Montcornet.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860046 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43860046 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 23:04:16 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860046"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/46/43860046.e5620099.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="179" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Martin was erected within the 13th century on a "greek-cross floor plan". When Montcornet burnt down in 1547, the church got severely damaged, the bell tower collapsed and destroyed the porch. The church got rebuilt and reconstructed with buttresses. The two towers flanking the facade were added 1609/1610. <br /> <br /> During the French Revolution the church became a "Temple of Reason" and was later used as a saltpeter factory. Restoration started within the 19th century. <br /> <br /> The church suffered damage again in WWI, when it was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers, and during WWII, when in 1940 a train, loaded with ammunition, exploded in the trainstaion of Montcornet.</div> Montcornet - Saint-Martin <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43860046"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/00/46/43860046.e5620099.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="179" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Saint-Martin was erected within the 13th century on a "greek-cross floor plan". When Montcornet burnt down in 1547, the church got severely damaged, the bell tower collapsed and destroyed the porch. The church got rebuilt and reconstructed with buttresses. The two towers flanking the facade were added 1609/1610. <br /> <br /> During the French Revolution the church became a "Temple of Reason" and was later used as a saltpeter factory. Restoration started within the 19th century. <br /> <br /> The church suffered damage again in WWI, when it was used as a hospital for the wounded soldiers, and during WWII, when in 1940 a train, loaded with ammunition, exploded in the trainstaion of Montcornet.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43859786 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43859786 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 22:32:41 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43859786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/86/43859786.bf6302ec.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="203" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The Gothic choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.<br /> <br /> <br /> This baptismal font may even be older than the choir. Rectangular fonts, carved from bluestone ("Pierre bleue de Tournai"), were very popular in Northern France within the 12th century.</div> Rozoy-sur-Serre - Saint-Laurent <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43859786"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/97/86/43859786.bf6302ec.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="203" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The Gothic choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.<br /> <br /> <br /> This baptismal font may even be older than the choir. Rectangular fonts, carved from bluestone ("Pierre bleue de Tournai"), were very popular in Northern France within the 12th century.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43855164 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43855164 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 13:46:27 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43855164"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/64/43855164.1b32ebd6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="189" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The Gothic choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.</div> Rozoy-sur-Serre - Saint-Laurent <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43855164"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/64/43855164.1b32ebd6.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="189" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The Gothic choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854856 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43854856 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 12:54:29 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854856"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/48/56/43854856.49ecabf7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="223" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century. The façade, with the large rose-window, was completed in the 13th and got restored end of the 19th.</div> Rozoy-sur-Serre - Saint-Laurent <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854856"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/48/56/43854856.49ecabf7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="223" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century. The façade, with the large rose-window, was completed in the 13th and got restored end of the 19th.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854694 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43854694 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:51:03 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854694"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/94/43854694.239f8b11.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="171" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.</div> Rozoy-sur-Serre - Saint-Laurent <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854694"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/94/43854694.239f8b11.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="171" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The former collegiate church, dedicated to Saint Laurent (aka "Lawrence of Rome"), is located on the foot of a hill, that once was occupied by a castle, that got completely demolished in 1817. The choir, dating to the 12th century, is the oldest part of the church, that got much altered and fortified in the 17th century.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854122 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-24,doc-43854122 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 09:59:42 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854122"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/22/43854122.377d5132.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> The "Chambre Caronet" is largest room. Note the hole/oculus in the floor, that was used for hauling up supplies - and the bell ringer as above this room are the church bells.</div> Parfondeval - Saint-Médard <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43854122"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/22/43854122.377d5132.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> The "Chambre Caronet" is largest room. Note the hole/oculus in the floor, that was used for hauling up supplies - and the bell ringer as above this room are the church bells.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852242 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-23,doc-43852242 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 23:28:13 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852242"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/42/43852242.ff60ba89.240.jpg?r2" width="171" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> A very narrow and low passage, that could easily blocked by the defenders, leads to the stair, that runs up to the shelter rooms in the towers.</div> Parfondeval - Saint-Médard <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852242"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/42/43852242.ff60ba89.240.jpg?r2" width="171" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> A very narrow and low passage, that could easily blocked by the defenders, leads to the stair, that runs up to the shelter rooms in the towers.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852226 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-23,doc-43852226 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 23:15:42 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852226"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/26/43852226.e603678a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> The room behind the strong gate, under the fortified towers is like a large narthex opening to the nave. The lower aisles were added, when the church got enlarged in 1760.</div> Parfondeval - Saint-Médard <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43852226"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/22/26/43852226.e603678a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.<br /> <br /> The room behind the strong gate, under the fortified towers is like a large narthex opening to the nave. The lower aisles were added, when the church got enlarged in 1760.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43851772 tag:ipernity.com,2016-11-23,doc-43851772 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 21:36:52 +0000 2016-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43851772"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/72/43851772.3a5739d0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="198" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.</div> Parfondeval - Saint-Médard <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43851772"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/17/72/43851772.3a5739d0.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="198" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Parfondal, a village with a population of around 150, is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". It is indeed pretty - and has the best documented fortified churches I visited in the Picardie. Saint-Médard, erected almost entirely of bricks, was built in the 16th century, and got enlarged in 1760.<br /> <br /> It was once surrounded by a wall and a ditch. It was only accessable through the gate seen here. The church (incl. the tower and the rooms for the refugees) can be visited and there are even informative videos, explaining how people lived up there over longer periods.</div> Martin M. Miles