Prieuré Notre-Dame et Saint-Etienne de Villiers

English translation

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History

The priory of Villiers is said to have been founded in 1157 by Henry II Plantagenet, count of Touraine and king of England. The foundation charter dates from 1162. The whole of the buildings dates from the end of the 12th century. Like all Grandmontine establishments, the priory is situated in a secluded place in the heart of nature and follows the traditional layout: the buildings are arranged around the former wooden cloister now destroyed. The east and west ends of the church have been demolished as well as the western wing. The eastern wing houses on the ground floor and first floor the dormitory of the monks; the southern wing contains the refectory and kitchen on the ground floor and, on the first floor, the cells of the monks. Alterations were made in the 15th century in the southern wing. In the 16th century, the convent was set on fire by the Huguenots. In the 17th century, the priory is in poor condition. It was sold as national property at the Revolution and converted into a farming operation.