The Knight Herluin and the Founding of the Le Bec Abbey: A Complex Issue between Eremitic Leanings and Coenobitical Normalization
Jean-Hervé Foulon
Le Bec Abbey is considered one of the most renowned Benedictine abbeys in Middle Ages. The image conveyed by twelfth century narrative sources, as well hypotheses eighteenth- and nineteenth-century scholars, make believe founding a soundly constituted monastery humble knight Herluin. A close examination however, compels us to distinction between historical reality which founder’s deep liking for eremitical life prevails, later process re-writing beginnings founding. In century, monks from intended conceal these origins had become suspicious context rivalry with new monachism, uphold primacy coenobitical life, actually established later. Therefore, chronology traditionally admitted events be revised, contributing, result, throw light on conqueror’s adolescence. In 1034, prevailing tone penitential expiation, Herluin decided embrace hermit’s lands his own. Joined few brothers, despite lack learning religious background, he organized first “more Patrum” community, rejected monastic rule. This experiment, could not lead an enduring institutional form. As such, was brought accept progressive regularization way under joint influence Count Gilbert de Brionne episcopacy. count probably hoped reap glory this foundation, partly built others’ fortune, thus take advantage mediation merits former vassal, but murdered. Nevertheless, change site led building second church, dedicated February 1046 or 1047, precisely at time when William Bastard facing uprising aristocracy’s powerful members. revolt owner Castle, strategic stronghold offered Duke Guillaume opportunity interest himself obscure institution confirming its estates. control both castle abbey relevant coherent politics duke years 1047 1055 where seditious kinsmen–the descendants Richard First–had subdued. contemporary arrival scholar Lanfranc (1046 or1047 not 1042) together ducal protection enabled up Herluin’s difficulties ruling abbey, failing organizing genuine convent life. Le Bec’s prosperity consequently strengthened. association Lanfranc, intellectually beaming school after 1055, incessant influx donations, increasing number brothers third around 1060, spite abbot’s strong reluctance. While combined pressure, resulted rule (symbolized latest dedication in 1077), it maintained original customs offering thoroughfare accounts success. inventive itinerary portrays precocious seduction exerted Normandy reappraisal normative framework wished Carolingians.
Revue Historique