Verneuil-sur-Avre (, literally Verneuil on Avre) is a former commune in the Eure department in Normandy in northern France. On 1 January 2017, it was merged into the new commune Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton.

History

Following the revolt of the nobles of 1118-1120, Verneuil-sur-Avre was founded in 1120 by Henry I, the fourth son of William the Conqueror. Some of the main rebels were Richer de l'Aigle, Robert de Neubourg and Eustace of Breteuil who all possessed territory in the surrounding area. Once these rebels submitted to Henry I, the fortifications in Verneuil-sur-Avre were intended to control the region. In August 1424, during the Hundred Years' War the battle of Verneuil was fought just to the north of the town. An English army of 9,000 men beat a joint Franco-Scottish army of 15,000 men and as a result gained control of Normandy and Aquitaine and destroyed Scottish participation in the war. The town was recaptured in 1449.

Main sights

There are several landmarks in Verneuil-sur-Avre that are worthy of interest: Besides these landmarks, Verneuil-sur-Avre has examples of regional architectural style and half-timbered houses traditional to Normandy.

Demography

International relations

The town is twinned with Stowmarket, Suffolk, England.