An unpublished book traces the 800 years of the rich history of this Sarthe abbey

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128 pages to tell 800 years of history. Dedicated to the Royal Abbey of the Epaulocated in Yvré-l'Evêque (Sarthe), a scientific work published under the leadership of Editions 303 (which must face budget cuts in the Region) has been available since Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

800 years of history of the Abbey traced in a book

“We were contacted by Sarthe Culture which had the project of making available all the results of the research carried out on the abbey because there was no summary work which took into account the recent discoveries », Resituates Aurélie Guitton, director of Editions 303.

Over six chapters, 800 years of history are mentioned.

The work marks an important moment for Epau Abbey. For the public, it is an extension to delve deeper into what they saw and discovered by coming here.

The scientific work takes stock of the knowledge and hypotheses on aspects of the history, art history and archeology of the abbey and was desired to transmit them to the general public.

The life of Queen Bérengère, founder of the Abbey, widely documented

Cistercian jewel whose construction was instigated by the Queen Berengaria of Navarre, the monument is also a place of cultural life and hosting events such as the light and sound journey during the end-of-year celebrations.

“In one of the chapters we try to follow the trajectory of the queen, a reference figure for Tudela [sa ville natale en Espagne, N.D.L.R.], and the fate of his memoryuntil the present day,” sketches Ghislain Bury, associate professor of medieval history at the University of Le Mans.

The recumbent figure of Queen Berengariawho returned to Epau Abbey in 2020, is also widely mentioned in the work. “My role was to document the various movements of the tomb which experienced many vicissitudes,” underlines Bénédicte Fillion-Braguet, doctor in art history.

The art historian focused in particular on the polychromy of the recumbent figurewhich was therefore not always of such whiteness. Epau Abbey is probably far from having delivered all ses secrets….

Edition of 3000 copies. Available at the price of 16 euros at the Epau Abbey shop and in certain bookstores. Available since Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Editions 303.

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