Sens

Sens, an old town of France, dept. Yonne, stands on the right bank of the Yonne, 70 miles by rail SE. of Paris, and is still surrounded with its ancient walls. Its principal ornament is the Gothic cathedral of St Stephen, built in 1122-68, but restored twice or thrice since. It has splendid portals, fine stained glass, and two large bells; in its treasury are preserved the vestments of Thomas à Becket. There are also the palace and ancient public offices of the archbishop, and a town museum. The chemist Thénard was born in the place. Pop. (1891) 13,942. See Vaudin, Les Fastes de la Sénonic (Paris, 1882).