Today, I would like to share a bit of history of our town, Bernay (Bernaicum in latin) founded by Judith of Brittany, daughter of Richard II, in 1010. The records of the first Abbott in 1050 refer to a man named Vital who was later on appointed in 1076 by William the Conqueror
head of Westminster Abbey in England.
Here is a view of the north side of the church made of wood panelling, something you don't see often.
Here, you have the same view by night!
The front of the church was rebuilt in the 17th century in a classical renaissance style.
Unfortunately, at the Revolution, the Abbey was abandoned
and after being used by the municipality for storage for a long period of time,
it was refurbished in 1968 and used since for exhibitions and concerts. It is quite beautiful inside, I shall take some photos the next time we go to a concert.
Oh good! I was so hoping you'd post some of Bernay's loveliness..and there it is! (hands clapping). Thank you so much for sharing. Such a treat. Linda
ReplyDeleteHello Linda,
DeleteThanks for your e-mail and kind words (I shall drop you a line next week). Happy you enjoyed seeing more of our little corner of the world (more photos planned but I need a bit of sun here first!!)
Have a good weekend!
Ivan x
French towns are full of so much history, and so pretty. Thank you for sharing some of your local are with us.
ReplyDeleteGillian
Hello Gillian,
DeleteThanks, it is true, there is so much to see even in the smallest hamlet. Bernay is very pretty and was not touched during the war. I shall post more as I said when the light arrives!!
Ivan x
What a lovely old church, Ivan. I'm glad that it was refurbished in 1968 is being used for the community again. It's amazing it lasted so well for so long while it was used for storage!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a good day.
Hello Louise,
DeleteThank you, it's funny to find out the history of building and just unimaginable to think of using it like that now. Next door is a tiny museum which is another surprise!
Best wishes, Ivan
I love that church, day or night views. Yes, more history please! Thanks for this post!
ReplyDeleteHello Kay,
DeleteThank you, I have a few posts to come about the second world war, as this house was used for an officer and the troops were camping in the orchard. My niece, Grace and my father have spent a good few hours with metal detectors looking for evidence! The found a fire pit and a few other things!
Have a good weekend,
Ivan
Such a lovely old church, so much history.
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteThanks, it is amazing to walk around it and imagine them building it. I also try to imagine how many people have walked through the doors!
Hope you are still enjoying your holiday!
Ivan
1010! Holy cow! How cool is that.
ReplyDeleteHello Terry,
DeleteNow that is old no?! There are a lot of places like that in Normandy - I will have to take my camera out more!!
Have a good weekend,
Ivan
we in the US have no idea at all of the history that abounds in small French villages. Would love to see the inside and so appreciate the history lesson! AND your header is beautiful as always..;j
ReplyDeleteHello Joanne,
DeleteThank you, there is a lot of history we take for granted, even living here. I shall take photos inside as it is beautiful and really quite light. It adds ambiance to a classical music concert inside such a place.
Have a good weekend,
Ivan
Thanks for sharing a piece of Bernay! Have a good weekend :)
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteThanks, have a good weekend also.
Ivan ;)
Edith Piaf was born in Bernay! Harriet
ReplyDeleteHello Harriet,
DeleteI should do a post about it, but the grandmother's brothel is no longer in business!!
Ivan xx
I've just googled your lovely town Ivan. It looks really pretty and it doesn't look that far from one of my favourite places, Honfleur. We've just booked our summer holiday to France again. We love it over there...I just wish I could speak the language fluently!
ReplyDeleteHello Claire,
DeleteThank you, we go to Honfleur for dinner occasionally and Sunday breakfast when it is warm enough to sit outside, it is about 45 minutes from here.
Ivan
What a grande old building! I really like the 'night-time' photo, Ivan. The fact that it is still intact after all these years is testament of the culture there and the importance of preserving history. Have a wonderful weekend, m'sieur.
ReplyDeleteJim
Hello Jim,
DeleteThanks, I like the night time one also, as you see the texture in the wood. It is quite impressive when you see the building up close.
Have a good weekend also!
Ivan