The Cluniac priory of Saint-Martin de Layrac was founded by Hunald († c. 1085), a member of the viscountal family of Brulhois and a monk from the monastery of Moissac (Tarn-et-Garonne). In 1062, Hunald donated his possessions to the monastery of Cluny and its abbot Hugh (1024–1109), including the church of Layrac. This donation was confirmed by Hunald himself in 1064. Later, around 1072, Hunald became abbot of Moissac, a position he held until 1085, when he retired to the priory of Layrac.
During this foundational period, the priory church was built or rebuilt. The building was inaugurated by Pope Urban II in 1096, when its construction was likely completed, at least for the most part. Throughout the 12th century, significant works were undertaken, including the addition of the western portal, and may also have affected the internal configuration of the church. Starting in the 14th century, the monastic establishment was administered by commendatory priors, among whom was Cardinal Arnaud de Via († 1335). During that century, the priory's dependencies were reconstructed, remaining intact until another rebuilding in the mid-18th century.
In 1790, following the French Revolution, the priory was suppressed, and the monastic community dispersed. The following year, its properties were sold, resulting in the loss of much of its patrimony. The priory’s dependencies were repurposed for various uses, including as a school, while the church became a parish church. In the 19th century, significant renovations were carried out on the church, and in the 20th century, a medieval mosaic floor was discovered, dated to the late 11th century and corresponding to the priory’s earliest period.
Mosaic in the apse. Samson (11th century)
Mosaic in the apse (11th century)
Mosaic in the apse (11th century)
- BARRÈRE, Joseph (1855). Histoire religieuse et monumentale du diocèse d'Agen. Vol. 1. Agen: Chairou
- BESSE, J.-M. (1910). Abbayes et prieurés de l'ancienne France. Vol. 3: Provinces ecclésiastiques d'Auch et de Bordeaux. Abbaye de Ligugé
- DUBOURG, Paul (1897). Monographie ou histoire du prieuré et de la ville de Layrac depuis le XIe siècle jusqu'au XIXe siècle. Agen: I. Moderne
- DUBOURG-NOVES, Pierre (1969). Guyenne romane. La Pierre-qui-Vire: Zodiaque
- DUBOURG-NOVES, Pierre; i altres (1969). Congrès Archéologique de France. 127e session. París: Société Française d’Archéologie
- THOLIN, Georges (1874). Études sur l'architecture religieuse de l'Agenais. Agen, Michel
Layrac is located south of Agen, near the Garonne River