Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Henry FitzEmpress

An earlier church was ruined during the wars of the 14th and 15th century. Rebuilding started around 1500. The new church got dedicated to Thomas-Becket, what was a very strong political statement, as the area had severely suffered from the Hundred Years War. Thomas Becket had served as Lord Chancellor for Henry II of England (aka "Henry Curtmantle", "Henry FitzEmpress", "Henry Plantagenet") before he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, after Henry II in a conflict with Becket had publicly asked "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?". On the left side of this nave, behind thick security glass, is this small relief. It depicts the assassination of Thomas Becket.

An earlier church was ruined during the wars of the 14th and 15th century. Rebuilding started around 1500. The new church got dedicated to Thomas-Becket, what was a very strong political statement, as the area had severely suffered from the Hundred Years War. Thomas Becket had served as Lord Chancellor for Henry II of England (aka "Henry Curtmantle", "Henry FitzEmpress", "Henry Plantagenet") before he became Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, after Henry II in a conflict with Becket had publicly asked "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?".

The first wooden fort, that existed on an outcrop surrounded the Nançon river, was destroyed in 1166 by the armee of King Henry II of England (aka "Henry Curtmantle", "Henry Plantagenet"), who was as well Duke of Normandy. It got rebuilt much stronger fortified, but the times were politically difficult. The stronghold was taken by English mercenaries, retaken by French troops about 40 years later. By that time, it had lost iot militarey impoartance on the border between Normandy and Brittanny. Having impressive 13 towers, the Château de Fougères is one of Europe's largest medieval fortresses. Of course the castle has a website: www.chateau-fougeres.com/en.html