Founded in 1226 the Abbaye de Marquette stands as a testament to history. Countess Jeanne of Constantinople and her husband Ferrand of Flanders established this Cistercian abbey near the Pont de Marque. The abbey’s initial location was in Marcq. It was later transferred to Marquette in 1227 through an exchange with monks from Laon. The nuns moved in 1236 after the buildings were completed.
The Abbaye de Marquette quickly gained renown. It became a place of pilgrimage and reverence. People from far and wide sought a place in the nuns’ prayers. They offered gifts and legacies in return. Countess Jeanne even established a hospital within the abbey’s walls. The hospital provided care for the poor and sick.
The Abbaye de Marquette’s history wasn’t without conflict. In 1340 during the Hundred Years’ War English troops passed through Marquette. They were on their way to besiege Tournai. The lord of Roubaix successfully ambushed them near the abbey. The counts of Salisbury Suffolk and William of Montaigu were imprisoned there.
Later in 1482 the abbey faced devastation. This was before the peace treaty of Arras. The treaty was signed between Louis XI and Maximilian I. It divided the lands of Mary of Burgundy’s father. Nine out of ten villages were destroyed along with the Abbaye de Marquette.
The iconoclastic fury of 1566 also marked the abbey. It was pillaged by heretics. A further attack occurred in 1578. A band of Calvinist Protestants known as Hurlus attacked. The entrance was defended by a dozen soldiers. Their captain rallied the troops who were about to flee. One attacker scaled the walls. He was unable to jump down however because the garden was flooded. A soldier shot at the leader Bras de Fer. His horse bolted causing the mob to retreat. The survival was attributed to the Virgin Mary’s protection. Abbess Marguerite de Bachemont placed an image of Mary in the wall. This became a symbol of defiance against the Hurlus. The legend drew crowds of curious onlookers and the sick seeking miraculous healing.
In 1792 a devastating fire swept through the Abbaye de Marquette. Tombs including that of Jeanne of Constantinople were violated. The abbey’s buildings were destroyed. The revolution nationalised church property. The abbey was sold leading to its eventual complete demolition.
Despite the destruction archaeological excavations have revealed treasures. These include parts of the abbey church. The base of Jeanne of Flanders’ mausoleum was also found. There is a funerary slab of Gille de Dadizelle. Many fragments of paving tiles were also discovered. Today the site awaits transformation into an archaeological garden. A lasting tribute to the Abbaye de Marquette and its rich history.