Hôtel du Doyen, Private mansion in Bayeux, France
The Hôtel du Doyen is a private mansion in Bayeux standing near Notre-Dame Cathedral, displaying classical French architectural style with stone facades and period details. The building shows typical features of its construction era with clearly visible structural elements.
In the late 12th century, Bishop Henri II gave this property to Dean Etienne, and both King Richard the Lionheart and King John confirmed this gift. The estate was an important possession for the church's leadership in the city at that time.
The mansion once served as home to important city collections and held both the municipal library and the tapestry museum until 1983. This role made it a central place for learning and cultural activities in the town.
The mansion sits on the right bank of the Aure River in central Bayeux and can be reached via Lambert-Leforestier Street. Its central location in town makes it easy to find when walking through the old district.
A chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket was housed within this building, showing its religious importance. The chapel existed long before Becket was made a saint, revealing early spiritual devotion at the site.
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