Saint-Riquier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Saint-Riquier
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Hôtel-Dieu
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 Saint-Riquier
Location in France
Saint-Riquier
Location in Hauts-de-France
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| Country | France |
| Region | Hauts-de-France |
| Department | Somme |
| Arrondissement | Abbeville |
| Canton | Rue |
| Intercommunality | CC Ponthieu-Marquenterre |
| Area
1
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14.48 km2 (5.59 sq mi) |
| Population
(Jan. 2021)
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| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| INSEE/Postal code |
80716 /80135
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| Elevation | 19–97 m (62–318 ft) (avg. 22 m or 72 ft) |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | |
Saint-Riquier is a small town, also called a commune, located in northern France. It is found in the Somme area, which is a department (like a county) in the Hauts-de-France region.
Contents
Location of Saint-Riquier
This commune is about 6 kilometers (or 3.7 miles) northeast of a larger town called Abbeville. It sits right where two main roads, the D925 and D32, cross each other.
History of Saint-Riquier Abbey
Saint-Riquier was once known as Centula. It became famous because of its important abbey. An abbey is a type of monastery, a place where monks or nuns live and worship.
Founding the Abbey
The abbey was started around the year 625. It was founded by a person named Riquier. He was the son of the town's governor. At that time, the town was part of a kingdom called Francia, ruled by the Merovingian dynasty.
Golden Age of the Abbey
The abbey grew richer thanks to King Dagobert I. It became very successful in the early 800s. This was during the time of the Carolingian Empire. A leader named Angilbert, who was related to the famous Charlemagne, was in charge of the abbey then.
Attacks and Rebuilding
Sadly, in the year 881, invaders from the north, often called Northmen or Vikings, attacked. They burned the abbey and destroyed much of the town of Centula.
The monastery was rebuilt later, during the Middle Ages. It was made smaller than before. The abbey was part of the diocese of Amiens, which is a church district.
Connection to Local Leaders
The early leaders of the Ponthieu area were closely linked to the abbey. They were like protectors of the abbey and also controlled the town of Abbeville. These leaders, called counts, often sent their younger sons to the abbey for their education if they planned to join the church.
For example, Count Enguerrand I sent his sons, Fulk and Guy, to Saint-Riquier. They were taught by Abbot Enguerrand "the Wise." Under his leadership, the abbey had its "golden age" again. The abbey even owned land in Norfolk, England.
The Abbey Today
The buildings you see today were built in the 1700s. They are now used as a seminary, which is a school for training priests.
The main church was built much earlier, in the 1200s and 1300s. It is a beautiful example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. This style is known for its fancy, flame-like stone carvings. The church has a richly carved front on the west side, topped with a square tower.
Inside the church, you can admire:
- The beautiful arched ceilings
- A special font (a basin for holy water) from the Renaissance period
- Carved wooden seats
- Old paintings in the treasury room
The treasury also holds valuable items, like a copper cross. People believe this cross was made by Saint Eloi, a famous craftsman.
Later Challenges
In 1536, the people of Saint-Riquier bravely defended their town from an attack by Germans. The women of the town were especially courageous during this defense. However, in 1544, the town was burned by the English. This event marked the beginning of the town's decline.
See also
In Spanish: Saint-Riquier para niños
