Vallis Collection

Children's prison, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte
Children's prison (centre) and workshops (right), (the abbey functioned as a prison from 1804 when it was converted by Napoleon), at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey

Barn, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France
Barn, with timber frame, formerly a lay brothers building, at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded 1115 by St Bernard, in Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, Grand Est

Chapel, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France
Refectory, built 1774, converted in 1813 to a chapel for prisoners (the abbey functioned as a prison from 1804 when it was converted by Napoleon), restored 2013-15, at the Abbaye de Clairvaux

Prison cells, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube
Group cells in the men's prison, (the abbey functioned as a prison from 1804 when it was converted by Napoleon), at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey

Grand Cloister, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube
Grand Cloister, built 17th century in classical style, surrounded by the lay brothers building, kitchen, monks refectory, boiler room and monks building, later used as the men's prison

Cloister, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France
Main Gallery of the Cloister, built 18th century and used after 1804 as the men's prison, at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded 1115 by St Bernard

Lay dormitory, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube
Lay dormitory, in the lay brothers building, built 12th century and rebuilt 1708, with cross vaulted ceiling supported by octagonal stone columns, at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey

Initials, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France
Initials carved in the stone wall of the cellar, on the first floor of the lay brothers building, built 12th century and rebuilt 1708, at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey

Cellar, Clairvaux Abbey, Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France
Cellar in the Lay brothers building, built 12th century and rebuilt 1708 (centre), and wash-house and bakery (right), at the Abbaye de Clairvaux, or Clairvaux Abbey

Great Bible of Clairvaux, Mediatheque Jacques-Chirac, Troyes
Great Bible of Clairvaux, an illuminated bible made 12th century at the Abbaye de Clarvaux or Clairvaux Abbey under St Bernard, now in the Mediatheque Jacques-Chirac

Firefighters respond to a building fire, West London
Firefighters respond to a building fire at Vallis Way, West London. Showing a firefighter using his hose

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"Exploring the Dark History of Vallis: A Children's Prison in Ville-sous-la-Ferte" Hidden within the walls of Clairvaux Abbey in Ville-sous-la-Ferte, Aube, France lies a haunting reminder of a dark past - Vallis, once a children's prison. This historic site holds stories that are both chilling and thought-provoking. As you step into the barn at Clairvaux Abbey, it's hard to imagine that this serene place was once home to young souls who were deemed criminals. The echoes of their laughter have long faded away, replaced by an eerie silence. Walking through the abbey's chapel, one can't help but feel a sense of solemnity and reflection. It serves as a stark contrast to its previous use as prison cells for those who had lost their freedom. These walls witnessed countless prayers for redemption and forgiveness. The grand cloister stands tall as a testament to resilience amidst despair. Its intricate architecture tells tales of hope even in the darkest times. In every corner of this cloister lies untold stories waiting to be discovered. In the lay dormitory, where dreams should have been nurtured and aspirations encouraged, instead housed troubled youth seeking solace behind bars. Their initials etched onto stone walls serve as poignant reminders of lost innocence and shattered dreams. Descending into the cellar beneath Clairvaux Abbey reveals another layer of darkness - where prisoners were confined with only shadows for company, and is here that humanity faced its own demons while grappling with isolation and despair. Yet amidst these somber surroundings lies an unexpected treasure - The Great Bible of Clairvaux now finds refuge at Mediatheque Jacques-Chirac in Troyes. This illuminated manuscript offers glimpses into faith and knowledge sought by those who yearned for enlightenment within these very walls. Vallis may bear witness to a painful history but also serves as a powerful reminder that even from places tainted by sorrow, resilience and hope can emerge.