ST. PHILIP'S PRIORY

Founded in the 11th century by Hugues II de Montfort, the site was originally erected as a collegiate church, served by eight secular canons under the name of Saint-Pierre, before becoming a priory in the 12th century. The canons were then replaced by a monastic community governed according to the rule of Saint-Benoît. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the priory continued to prosper even though, in 1398, the Hundred Years' War had the effect of removing the church of Saltwood, located in England, from the heritage held by the priory. It was from the 16th century that the priory of Saint-Philbert, now listed as a historic monument, lost its importance. Nowadays, the surrounding wall (12th century), the half-timbered dwelling, perfectly restored with an outside staircase from the 17th century, a bread oven with a dovecote (17th century), as well as a 15th century chapel used as a cellar, remain.

Saint-Ouen Church: Adjacent to the priory, the old 12th century church is decorated with a square and massive 13th century tower. It contains wall paintings, a glass roof and two beautiful stone statues (a 15th century Saint-Philbert and a curious 16th century Saint-Nicolas) listed. There is also the tombstone of Nicolas Dubosc, prior of Saint-Philbert, who, in 1562, successfully supported the assault of a gang of armed Huguenots.

The reasons for the separation of the monastic sanctuary from the parish church remain unclear. It is assumed that the parish of Saint-Philbert passed into the dependence of the abbey of Saint-Ouen de Rouen. This is perhaps the cause of the break with the priory which depended on another abbey.