Crespin Abbey

The traditional story is that he then withdrew with two disciples into the forest of the County of Hainault between Valenciennes and Mons, where he built a wooden cell on the bank of the Haine, which flows into the Scheldt at Condé-sur-l'Escaut.

It is also said that after praying Landelin struck the ground with his staff, whereupon a strong spring appeared, the curling waves of which (Latin: crispantibus undis) caused him to name the spot "Crispinium" (Crespin).

The reputation of the three hermits and the stories of these miracles attracted increasing numbers of disciples, for whom Landelin had a chapel built, which became the centre of the Benedictine abbey, dedicated to Saint Peter.

The monastery flourished at first, because of its reputation for miracles at the intercession of Landelin, but in the 9th century found itself in increasing danger of being plundered or destroyed by the marauding Vikings.

Although it was quickly rebuilt, it was not immediately re-dedicated as a monastery, but housed a community of secular priests, and was not re-occupied by the Benedictines until 1080.