Noirmountier Monastery
| Noirmountier Monastery | |
 | |
| General information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Monastery |
| Location | Vardhaldsby-Eyjafoll, Normandie, Order of the Holy Lakes |
| Completed | probably 1600s AN |
Noirmountier is a monastic monastery located on the Old Gaol Isle/Viegaolsey, Normandie. The monastery sits on a somewhat steep slope midway between the Eyjafoll and Vardhaldsby roads. Noirmountier is a Brothers of Reclusion monastery.
Features
Noirmountier Abbey is built on deep wooden piles because permafrost terrain poses a risk of foundation slippage for large structures. Granite and gabbro stones brought from Anglesey and the surrounding mountains are the main building materials. The monastery stands 50 cm high, supported by wooden piles. The outer layer of granite is 60 cm thick, while the inner gabbro wall is 40 cm thick. A 30 cm gap is left between the two natural stones, providing insulation in the cold climate. These gaps are filled with compressed dried lichens, mosses, and reindeer fur/hair. The roof is a grass roof made from tundra plants and has a sixty-degree slope. The structure has a total length of 45 meters, a width of 30 meters, and a total height of 11.5 meters from the ground. The monastery's courtyard contained thermal water, which helped keep the interior warm. Numerous rugs were found inside, some of which are still preserved today.
History
It is unknown when the construction of Noirmountier Abbey began and was completed. It was most likely built by convicts who were exiled to Old Gaol in Stormark. Noirmountier served for a time as accommodation for survivors after the fall of Stormark in 1685 AN, but was abandoned due to a cold snap and depletion of supplies. In 1757 AN, the structure was still in good condition, although slightly shifted. Restoration and ground stabilization of the structure began on March 1, 1757.
