Poitiers' Cathedrals, survivors of the Hundred Years' War

     About 200 years before the "New World" (North America) became a conquest target of both the French and English monarchical rulers, those monarchs were constantly at war. Known as The Hundred Years' War, from 1337 to 1453, the French and English were on the battle fields in France between truces. Basically, England wanted France. One of those battles was The Battle of Poitiers in 1356 which England won. In 1346, an English nobleman Henry of Grosmont set part of this building ablaze.

     The wall is part of the Palace of Poitiers, and during pauses in the Hundred Years' War, reconstruction would take place between 1388 and 1416.

But statues are crumbling . . . see the nets to keep debris from falling?

It's still remarkable that it survives.

     Many of the buildings and cathedrals in Poitiers were damaged following battles during the Hundred Years' War. A medieval chronicler wrote, following the September 19, 1356 battle:

...From that time on all went wrong with the Kingdom and the state was undone. Thieves and robbers rose up everywhere in the land. The nobles despised and hated all others and took no thought for the mutual usefulness and profit of lord and men. They subjected and despoiled the peasants and the men of the villages. In no wise did they defend their country from enemies. Rather did they trample it underfoot, robbing and pillaging the peasants' goods

     Then, 400 years later during the late 1700s, the French Revolution (somewhat of a civil war) resulted in more stolen and damaged artifacts to buildings and cathedrals.

     One of those old cathedrals is the Saint Pierre de Poitiers; construction began in 1162 by Henry II of England.

It's also the largest medieval monument in Poitiers.

     But the most fun cathedral (for me) was the Church of Sainte-Radegonde because of this side door. I suspect this is an original door (when it was dedicated in 1099).

This is the same door, inside view.

Immediately next to the outside door was another door constructed with brass tacks, leather (tufted hair/material stuffed inside) and modern spring hinges to keep it closed.

The main entrance is more grand.

When I entered the front door, I was surprised at how bright and cheerful it looked.

It's beautiful.

     The Church of Saint Hilaire (below photo) was dedicated in 1049.  It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

This is the interior view.

And the last cathedral on my walking tour, the Notre-Dame la Grande.

It was dedicated in 1086.

It's known as Romanesque architecture.

     Today is market day, very near my hostel. In keeping with French tradition, I will eagerly look for an inexpensive Kings' Cake to celebrate Epiphany Day.

     PS: Bought a Pauper Kings' Cake (apple instead of creamed almonds inside, only $4) and my prize inside was Chloe the Cat. Very good, too; flaky and buttery pastry.