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BRANTOME |
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A halting spot on the ancient 'Route de Compostela' - the pilgrimage to the north western Spanish town of the same name, Brantôme has been home to man since prehistoric times. Todays pilgrims to Brantome are the many tourists who come to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this ancient place.
A dolmen, just outside Brantôme on the D78 towards Thiviers, stands testament to these long gone inhabitants.
Roman and Norman settlement and attacks were followed by three successive occupations by English forces in 1382, 1404 and1408. |
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The abbey, part of the diocese of Périgueux was founded by Charlemagne in 769. Now the property of the town and now houses municipal museums.
Having overcome attacks by the Vikings, Grimoard the Abbot was made Bishop of Angouleme, where he built a cathedral, largely from his income from the Abbey in Brantôme.
The Hundred Years War resulted in destruction by Raimond II of Montaut, before being reconstructed then changed by English into a fortified chateau. |
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The Abbey of Saint Pierre
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During the wars of religion, the Abbot Pierre of Brantome managed to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Abbey.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the architecture is the way the Abbey was built into the cliff behind and many caves were adapted for use by the monks. |
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