12th Century
The Love Story of Abelard and Heloise
The love story of Abelard and Heliose has endured as one of the famous and popular love stories of all times. It is the tale of a French philospher named Peter Abelard (1079-1142), one of the greatest thinkers of the Middle Ages, but because his teachings were controversial, he soon was accused of heresy.
Heliose ( 1101- 1164) was a well educated niece of a prominent cleric named Canon Fulbert. It was through Canon Fulbert that Heloise and Abelard met.
In 1117 Abelard went to live at the house of Canon Fulbert of the Cathedral of Notre Dam as a border. The moment he laid eyes on Heloise, he was intrigued by her beauty and intelligence. He wanted to get to know her more so he convinced Canon Fulbert to let him tutor Heloise. Abelard was twenty years her senior.

But even monastic life couldn't keep the two lovers apart. In 1132 they began to communicate with each other again, face-to-face.

Abelard soon discovered monastic life to be an unhappy, austere one. Although he remained as a monk, he resumed his profession as a teacher and lecturer. Abelard founded a Beneductine monastery and chapel known as the Oratory of Paraclete in Ferreux-Quincey, France. He left the Abbey of Saint Denis in 1121 and joined the Abbey at Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys, near Vannes, Brittany, and became their abbot. Abelard gifted the Oratory of Paraclete to Heloise who became its prioress .
Abelard spent the last months of his life under the care of Peter, the Venerable of Cluny. After his death he was buried at Paraclete, the chapel he founded and loved.
After her death, Heliose was buried beside Abelard. They lie together in a single tomb.
The love letters they exchanged throughout their lives endure and are treasured as examples of exquisite French Literature.
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You must spend so much time on research!
Hope you have a most wonderful weekend, and again, thanks for all you share!
I have your book on my to be reviewed list. Looking forward to reading it!