Commandery of Epailly

The first act mentioning the commandery, dated 1200, suggests that the Templars had been there for some time. In 1214, a text evokes the domus milicie Templi que vocatur Espailli.

 

From the very beginning, Épailly was a domain richly endowed by Milon, Count of Bar-sur-Seine, and by the Chappes, in 1208 and 1210, on the finishes of Bissey-la-Côte and Courban. The county of Bar-sur-Seine will be attached to Champagne in the 1220s.

 

The Templars extended their domain to Louesme, Vanvey and Voulaines-les-Templiers (Côte-d’Or). They created a Temple House, mentioned as early as 1213, at Bissey-la-Côte. Hugues de Pairaud is commander of Épailly in 1280. Great visitor of France, in 1292 he is the competitor of Jacques de Molay in the election as Grand Master. He remained attached to his commandery of Épailly and received new recruits there at the end of the 13th century. The interrogation of Hugues de Pairaud is a highlight of the trial.

Nestled in an unspoiled valley, the estate has preserved a large part of its curtain wall and its defenses, which were restored in the 15th century. Its chapel, despite the partial ruin of its vaults, remains a building of great elegance, characteristic of the early Gothic age. Under the former flattened dwelling of the commander remains a storeroom of the 13th century. A vast medieval barn recalls the agricultural vocation of the place. Fishpond, medieval spring catchment: the daily life of the Templars is reflected in this haven of peace.

Contact information

 

Commanderie Templière d’Epailly
21520 Courban
Tel : +33 (0)6 60 31 11 68
Site web : www.commanderie-templiers-epailly.com