Retour sur la ‘crise du cénobitisme’: Émergence et expansion des Cisterciens et des chanoines réguliers en Normandie (xiie siècle-début xiiie siècle)

Abstract

In the twelfth century, the religious Reformed Orders, Cistercians, and Regular Canons, settled in Normandy. The result, after two decades, is surprising: by 1146, there were seventeen communities of Regular Canons but only four Cistercian abbeys. In this essay the reasons for the discrepancy are investigated, including the role of the Archbishop of Rouen, Hugh of Amiens († 1164). The development of both Orders is then examined. Starting in the mid-twelfth century, the Cistercians began incorporating abbeys which were already in existence, as a way to foster growth, while for Regular Canons, the main question is that of choice between the orders of Saint-Victor and Prémontré.