Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership
Germany Ecclesiastical Territories (Geistliche Gebiete) ruled by women

Also see Germany Heads, Germany Substates, Princess-Abbesses, Female Heads of Ecclesiastical Territories in other countries and explanatory note on the German Reichstag

Among the many principalities of of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation were a number of Ecclesiastical Territories were ruled by an Abbess with the title of Princess-Abbess (Fürstäbtissin or Reichsäbtissin). The Imperial Immediacies (Reichsfreiheit or Reichsunmittelbarkeit) held a privileged feudal and political status under the direct authority of the Holy Roman Emperor and the Imperial Diet, without any intermediary Liege lord(s) and therefore had the right to collect taxes and tolls and held juridical rights themselves. The territories held seats in the College of Prelates of Swabia or the Rhine, which held a joint vote in the College of Princes of the Diet of the Holy Roman Empire. Many of the numerous other minor Convents, Abbeys and Ladies Chapters functioned as landowners, regional ladies and fiefholders and exercised the lower court right.

The origianal sources of this list are "A.M.H.J. Stokvis "Manuel d'Histoire, de Généalogie et de Chronologie de tous les Etats du Globe - 1888 - 1893" and "Dictionaire d'histoire et de geographie ecclesiastique" 1907-. Thanks to Bob Hilkens for supplying the list. It has been updated and enhansced by information from the internet and various other sources.

Go to: Baindt, Buchau and Burtscheid, Elsey, Elten and Essen, Gandersheim, Gernrode, Gerresheim and Gutenzell, Heggbach and Herford,  Keppel (Käppel), Kraichgauer Damenstift, Kaufingen, Lindau, Niedermünster in Regensburg, Obermünster in Regensburg, Quedlinburg, Rottenmünster, Sölflingen, Vreden and some other non-reigning prominent convents (Z)

Ecclesiastical Territory of Baindt (gefürstete Damenstift Baindt - Princely Ladies Chapter) (In Baden-Württemberg)
Founded 1227 as a Cistercien Convent (Zisterzienserinnen-Klosters), 1241 the capter was placed directly under the protection of the Emperor, 1263 declared free of any Guardianship, 1309 the Document of Protection was confirmed by king Conradin, 1315 privilleges confirmed, 1376 the Chapter became an Imperial Immediacy - Reichsunmittelbar - and the Abbess was named Princesses of Empire. After the Holy Roman Empire was devided into 6 administrative units, called Imperial Circles or Reichskreisen in 1495, in she became member of the Bench of Prelates of the Swabian Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly of the Schwäbischer Kreis. 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm - which meant that she was member of the College of the Prelates of Swabia, whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench, and in 1792 the Abbess was represented at the Imperial Diet. The state was secularized 1803 and became Württemberg 1806.

Before 1232 Tudecka 
(Died before 1232)

1232-44 Anna von Frankenhofen 
In 1241 king Konrad IV. declared the Chapter to be without guardian.

1244-75 Adelheid I von Zusdorf  

1275-79 Tudecka II 

1279-98 Guta I von Gundelfingen 

1298-1302 Berta Seuffl 

1302-04 Elisabeth I Neyffron 

1304-07 Guta II 

1307-10 Mathilda 

1310-12 Mecthilda 

1313-15 Anna II von Königsegg

1315-22 Engeltrudis I von Gommeringen 

1322-29 Elisabeth II Schenkin         

1329-30 Katharina, Gräfin von Werdenberg 

1330-37 Anna III von Humerstried 

1337-42 Elisabeth III Grosst 

1342-45 Adelheid II Holbein 

1345-58 Hiltrudis von Königsegg 

1358-65 Christina II von Stegen 

1365-68 Engeltrudis II Martinen 

1368-70 Katharina II Ledermann        

1370-75 Margarethe I Salzl           

1375-83 Anna IV Humpis 

1383-92 Christina II Holbein       

1392-94 Fida Humpis 

1394-1400 Margarethe II Wiellin 

1400-03 Ursula I von Brasberg           

1403-06 Adelheid III Abtsreuter    

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1438-44 Anna V Schenkin

1444-57 Wandelburgis

1457-62 Waldburgis Aigler         

1462-71 Anna VI von Räns 

1471-1504 Margarethe III vom Feld 

1504-20 Verena vom Feld 

1520-29 Anna VII Schlaibegg

1529-35 Margarethe IV Brock 

1535-83 Anna VIII Wittmeyer      

1583-98 Ursula II Steinhauer          

1598-1625 Elisabeth IV Hartmann

1625-30 Juliana Rembold      

1630-44 Katharina III Rueff    

1644-53 Barbara I Weglin

1653-72 Maria-Scholastica Klocker    

1672-88 Barbara II Sauther     

1688-1722 Anna IX Tanner 

1722-23 Anna X Haug

1723-51 Magdalena von Dürrheim

1751-68 Cäcilia Seitz     

1768-1802 Bernarda von Markdorf .

1802-03 Xaveria Lohmiller  (died 1836)

Ecclesiastical Territory of Buchau (Weltliche gefürstete Damenstift Buchau - Worldly Princely Ladies Chapter) in Baden-Württemberg)
The Abbey was founded ca 770 and the abbesses became Princesses of the Empire (Reichsfürstin) around 1455. After the Holy Roman Empire was devided into 6 administrative units, called Imperial Circles or Reichskreisen in 1495, in she became member of the Bench of Prelates of the Rhinean Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly of the Rheinissche Kreis, and also member of the Bench of Scular Princes of the Swabian Circle Estate. 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm - which meant that she was member of the College of the Prelates of Swabia, whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench, and in 1792 the Abbess was represented at the Imperial Diet. The Abbess alternated between the secular and ecclesiastical benk within the Swabian Circle, and was listed among both the Swabian Counts and Swabian Prelates because of its possession of the County of Alschhausen

850-66 Irmengard 
She was daughter of King Ludwig the German, Duke of Bavaria since 826, and Abbess of Chiemsee from 857, and ruring her reign her, the Chapter for Noble ladies developped into an actual Bennedictine Convent. In 1928 she was declared holy. She lived (circa 833-66).

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Circa 900-914 Adelinde von Kesselsberg

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Until 1021 Irmentraud     

1021-27 Abarhild

1027-circa 43 Hildegard 

1043-51 Uta (Tutta)

Circa 1045 Egila

1051-? Gertrud von Bindhaldt 

1212-13 Gertrud von Tegelfelden

1212-16 Lukarda

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1223-47 Mathilde von Bienburg

1247-? Bechthildis 

1267-1303 Adelheid I von Markdorf

1303-29 Katharina I von Söffeln 

1329-53 Anna I von Winberg

1353-71 Adelheid II von Lupfen

1371-1402 Anna II von Ruseck    

1402-10 Anna III von Gundelfingen

1410-26 Agnes von Thengen 

1426-49 Klara de Montfort 

1449-96 Margarethe I von Werdenberg 

1496-97 Anna IV von Werdenberg

1497-1523 Barbara von Gundelfingen

1523-40 Elisabeth von Hohengeroldseck 

1540-56 Margarethe II von Montfort 

1556-96 Maria Jacoba von Schwarzenberg

1596-1610 Eleonore von Montfort

1610-50 Katharina II von Spaur, Plaum und Valör

1650-66 Maria-Franziska I von Montfort 

1666-92 Maria-Theresia I von Sultz 

1692-93 Maria-Franziska II von Waldburg-Zeil
In 1689 she had attempted to become candidate for the post of Princess-Abbess of Essen, but was deinied the right to do so because she was not of a Swabian Noble family.

1693-1742 Maria-Theresia II von Montfort  
She had previously been Chapel Lady in Essen.  

1742-74 Maria Karolina von Königseck-Rothenfels 

1775-1803 Maria Maximiliana Esther von Stadion

Second in Command, Seniorin und Küsterin

1605-19 Dorothea von Mörsberg und Beffort

1669-1707 Ursula Colonna von Völs

Circa 1707-13 Maria Elizabeth Fugger von Kircheim-Glött

Circa 1713-21 Maria Theresia Johanna von Fürstenberg-Messkirch

Circa 1721-32 Rosina Amalia Truschess von Walbdurg-Zeill

1732-circa 42 Adelheid Josepha Truschess von  Trauchburg-Dürmentingen'

Circa 1742-49 Maria Antonia von Montfort

Circa 1749-57  Carolina von Jörger

Circa 1757-83 Maria Anna von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen

1783-89 Maria Johanna von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen

1789-95 Maria Eleonora Truchesiss von Wolfegg-Waldsee

1795 Maria Ernestine Liebsteinsky von Kollowrat

1795-96 Maria Felicitas Truchess von Zeil-Wurzach

Circa 1796-1802 Maria Karolina Fugger von Nordendorf

Reichsabtei Burtscheid (Imperial Abbey) (In Nordhrein-Westphalen/North Rhine-Westphalia)
The Chapter was founded in 997 by Otto III. In 1138 it became an Imperial Immediacy (given Reichsunmittelbarkeit) and was placed directely under the emperor. The Lords of Merode acted as Steweards of the Chapter. She was member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. 1792 mentioned among the Rheinissche Prälaten (Prelates of the Rhine) who were representated at the Imperial Diet. 1802 Burtscheid lost its independence, was part of France until 1815 and then under Preussen.

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Around 1231 N.N. von Gimmenich
Daughter of Arnold von Gimmenich, Schultheiss zu Achen. Her sister, Jutta, s married to Arnold I von Franckenberg, the Stewart of Burtscheid. 

Around 1234 Prioress Helswendis

Circa 1234-56 Helswendis I
In 1236 the Chapter was placed under special protection of Emperor Friedrich II. 

1256 Helswendis II
Also mentioned as Helswengis

1272 Sophia

1275 Ermengardis

1294 Helsmudis

1300-17 Jutta
She has got a very good partnership with the Stewart, Edmund von Frankenberg.

1317-21/5 Elisabeth
Her background is not known. She has a very good cooperation with the stewart of the Abbey, Johann I von Frankenberg.

1325 Aledis I von Müllenarck

1338 Mechtildis I von Schonau

Circa 1352-56 Mechtildis II von Bongard
Probably Abbess before 1352. She was daughter of the noble Reinard von Bongard or Bongart. She bought the stewartship of the Abbey

1363-circa 90 Richardis von Ülpenich

1390 Aldidis II von Müllenarck
The Prioress is Elisabeth von Serfs, Sub-Prioess Aleidis von Brandenburg. 

1395 Richmodis von Schellart zu Obbendorf

Circa 1447-64 Princess-Abbess Barbara von Franckenberg
Also mentioned as Van Rode zu Frankenberg, Van Merode zu Frankenberg, van Meraede, she was daughter of Mecthtild, Lady von Franckenduberg and Andreas von Meroide who is mentioned 1426.  

Around 1460 Prioress Mechtild von Kessel

Circa 1470-84 Johanna von Franckenberg
Succeeded by her cousin Barbara.

From around 1484 Barbara von Franckenberg
She succeeded her cousin Johanna. 

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1618-25-? Anna Maria Raitz von Frentz

Around 1643 Henrica Raitz von Frentz
In 1643 she build the Monnikenhof, and She was daughter of Arnold Raitz von Frentz zu Schlenderhan and Elisabeth Wembs von Wambach lived (1616-63)

1649 Princess-Abbess and Stewart N.N. Raitz von Frentz

Until 1669 Princess Abbess Henriette Raitz von Frentz
She was the last of the family to reign the territory. She lived (1639-1674).


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Around 1726 Anna Carolina Margarethe Baronesse van Renesse von Elderen
She restored the towers of the church of the chapter.

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The Free Worldly Chapter for Noble Ladies of Elsey (Das freiweltliche adelige Damenstift Elsey)
The abbey was started as a duple monastery with a Prioress as deputy leader until it became a free, worldly Chapter for Noble ladies, which had the right to marry and did not wear a nuns habit. The Abbess was Dame of a number of possessions in Hohenlimburg but never had any sovereignty or any other rights than a local noble landowner until it aquired the right to a vote in the Landtag. In 1802 the Abbey was secularized and incorporated in the possessions of the Count of Bentheim-Tecklenburg and in 1811 in the Grand Duchy of Berg.

Around 1270 Prioress Walburgis

Around 1394 Prioress Gertrud von Grevel

Around 1396 Prioress Bele Kuling
Also know as Kulynges.

Around 1405 Prioress Katharina Snyders

Around 1414 Prioress Else von Eversberg

Around 1438 Prioress Regula Dudinck
Daughter of Heinrich von Dudinck zu Werdringen

Around 1468-86 Margaretha von Neuhof
Also known as Greyte van Neyenhove

Around 1501 Engela von Holte 

1501-45 Ida von Syberg 
Daughter of Heinrich von Syberg zum Busch and Margareta Wrede zu Ameche, and lived (circa 1490-1545)

1551-54 Sophie Budberg 

1556-77 Anna von der Goy

1590-95  Katharina von Neheim

1595-1623 Ludger von  Neheim gen. Dutscher

1623-25 Anna Rump zu Pungelscheid
Resigned in order to marry the Dutch General Franz Albert von Brünningausen. She was daughter of Jasper Rump von Valbert and Anna Odilia von Neuhof.

1626-30 Helene von Plettenberg 

1630-39 Gertrud von der Pforten

1639-40 Anna Lucia von Plettenberg 

1641-84 Helene von Syberg
Daughter of Adrian von Syberg zum Busch and Margareta von Voss zum Rodenberg

1684-96 Elsebein von Lahr
Resigned shortly before her death. Daughter of Melchior von Lahr and Elisabeth von Brembt, and lived (1610-96).

1696-1701 Maria Sybilla von Lahr
Resigned from office.

1701-04 Theodora Anna Katharina von Hauß 

1704-16 Sophia Johanna von  Bentheim-Tecklenburg
Resigned. She was daughter of Hans Adolf zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg and Johanna Dorothea zu Schaumburg-Lippe-Bernburg

1716-53 Sophie Amelie Dorothee von Bentheim-Tecklenburg 
Daughter of Friederich Mauritz zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg and Christiane Marie zur Lippe

1753-76 Anna Christine Katharina von der Bottlenberg gnt. Kessel
Daughter of Friederich Christian von der Bottlenberg zu Hackhausen and Elisabeth Josine von Neuhof, Erbin zu Neuhof. She lived (1715-76).

1776-97 Amalie Dorothea Elisabeth von der Bottlenberg gnt. Kessel 
Until 1793 the territory did not have a vote in the regional Assembly, but that year she bought the Manor of Berchum and thereby the Chapter came in the possession of the vote in the Landtag that belonged to Berchum (In German: Berchumer Landtagsstimme). She lived (1727-97).

1797-1802 Wilhelmine Sophie von Cornberg
Resigned in order to marry Freiherr von Hövel zu Ruhr. She was daughter of Carl Wilhelm Ludwig von Cornberg and Sophia Charlotte von Freitag.

1802-03 Louise von Ledebur
Canoness of Minden and Fröndenberg when she was elected abbess on 31. March. (b. 1768...)
 


Ecclesiastical Territory of Elten (Das fürstliche frei-weltliche Stift Elten - The Princely Chapter) (In Nordhrein-Westphalen/North Rhine-Westphalia)
It was founded in 970 on the basis of the lands of Count Wichmann of Elten. In 996 his daughter, Adela, protested, and was given parts of her paternal inheritance. Her sister, Luitigard, was the first Abbess of the Chapter. In 1129 the abbey became a Reichsstift and in 1390 the Abbess was appointed Princess of the Empire - Reichsfürstin or Fürstäbtissin. The abbey was secularized in 1803

970 Luitigard von Elten

1241-44 Adelheid zur Lippe

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1336 Irmgard von dem Berge

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1390 Elsa
She was named as Eerwoerdige und Hocgeborene vorstinne vrow Elsa in a document. Dispensed both high and low juridstiction and held hunting rights in her territories. Also held the right to appoint and dismiss clerics, and the right to excommunicate or ban clerics was reserved to the Pope, not the Bishop of Utrecht.

About 1412-about 1437 Lucia on Kerpen
She founded the first public school in the area in 1412 and in 1437 se founded the chapter of Saint Ursula.

Until 1513 Eisabeth zu Dhaun-Kyburg
Daughter of Johann IV, Wild- und Rheingraf zu Dhaun und Kyrburg and Elisabeth von Hanau.

Until 1574 Princess-Abbess Magdalena zu Wied-Runkel
She was daughter of Count Johan III zu Wied and Elisabeth of Nassau-Dillenburg

1585 Dutch Calvinis destroyed the chapter and the canonisses sought refuge in Emmenrich

Until 1602 Princess-Abbess Margarethe von Manderscheid-Blankenheim und  Gerolstein 
Also Abbess of Vreden. She lived (1539-1602)

1602-45 Princess-Abbess Agnes Elisabeth von Limburg-Styrum und Bronckhorst of Elten, Vreden, Freckenhorst and Borghorst
In 1619 she gave the Vredener Hungertuch (Cloth of Hunger) to the city of Vreden, which depicts 11 passion-pictures and an incription in Latin stating: "Agnes, by the Grace of God, Abbess to Elten, Vreden, Freckenhorst und Borghorst, Countess von Limburg und Bronckhorst, has given this ornament in the honor of the suferings of Christ..." In 1635 her sister's son; Jobst-Hermann von Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen, Count of Bückeburg, died unmarried. He was first succeeded by his cousin, Otto, but he died after four years, and she managed to secure the inheritance of Gemen against the claims of the Holstein-Schaumburg-family, and then ceeded the lordship of Holstein-Schaumburg-Gemen to her nephew, Count Hermann-Otto I von Limburg-Styrum. She was daughter of Count Jobst von Limburg und Bronckhorst and Maria von Schauenburg und Holstein-Pinneberg. She lived (1563-1645).

1645-74 Maria Sophie zu Salm-Reifferscheid
Considered the second founder as she started rebuilding the chapter, a small Catholic Territory partly in Germany, partly within the Protestant Netherlands. 1664 she asked the Pope for confirmation and expansion of her ecclesiastical rights, using the example of her colleague in Essen, noting that her predecessors since ancient times had exercised episcopal authority leaving only the right to confirm the election of a new Abbess to the Bishop of Utrecht. The Papal Nuntius in Kölln recommended that the Pope confirmed her quasi-episcopal powers and that she appointed a General Vicar as her temporal substitute. The pope granted her theise rights in 1669 and confirmed them in 1675. In 1669 she founded a fond in the "Princely and Imperial Free Chapter of Elten" and the "High Countly" to Vreden in favour of young women of her family in both male and female line Daughter of Count Ernst Friedrich zu Salm-Reifferscheid in Bedburg and Countess Maria Ursula zu Leiningen Her sister, Anna Salome, was sovereign of Essen, and lived lived (1620-74).

1675-1708 Maria Franziska I von Manderscheid
Also Abbess in Vreden

1708-17 Anna Juliana von Manderscheid
Also Abbess in Vreden and since 1706 Abbess of Thorn

1717-27 Maria Eugenia von Manderscheid

1727-40 Eleonora Maria von Manderscheid

1740-84 Maria Franziska II von Manderscheid

1772-77 Koadjutorin Jeanette von Manderscheid-Blankenheim
She left the chapel to marry Johan Franz Josef Graf zu Nesselrode-Reichenstein. Sister of Countess Augusta von Manderscheid-Sternberg and daughter of Count Johann Wilhelm and Luise Wilhelmine Franziska zu Solm-Solm

1784-89 Walburga Maria Truchsess von Waldburg-Zeil-Wurzach, Abbess of Vreden (from 1764).
She was elected as Abbess because of the support from Preussia, and was succeeded by candidate that was not elected in 1784, Josepha Maria Anna Antonia Nepomucena zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Bedburg.

1790-96 Josepha Maria zu Salm-Reifferscheid-Bedbur, Princess-Abbess of Vreden
Josepha Maria Anna Antonia Nepomucena zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Bedburg
She was brought up in Vienna and after the death of her father in 1755, her uncle, Leopold picked her and her brothers up, and secured her the position as Canoness of Elten, and on the way they visited Dresden, Meissen, Hubertusburg, Bautzen, Naumburg (Saale) and further places. She also received a Präbende Vreden, which was tied to her family. She became Küsterin in Vreden in 1763 even though she did not take oath of office as lady of the chapter until 1765 when she was permitted not to live in the chapter. She held the same office in Elten from 1766 and the same year she became a lady of the chapter of Essen which was considered more prestigious as an Imperial Immediate Secular Chapter (kaiserlich-freiweltliches Stift) than the High Countly Secular Chapter of Vreden (hochgräflich-freiweltliche Stift Vreden) and the Princely Secular Chapter of Elten (fürstlich-freiweltliche Stift). She became Dechantin in Vreden from 1779, in Essen 1782 and in Elten in 1784, but the same year she failed to be elected Abbess, because Prussia supported Walburga Maria Truchsess von Waldburg-Zeil-Wurzach, but she succeeded her after her death 6 year later, and also in January she was elected Abbess of Vreden. She was daughter of daughter of Altgraf Karl Anton Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Bedburg and countess Maria Franziska de Paula Eleonora Esterhazy, and lived ((1731-96).

1796-1803 Maximiliana Franziska de Paula zu Salm-Reifferscheid 
Daughter of Prince Siegmund zu Salm-Reifferscheid and Countess Eleonora von Walburg zu Zeil und Wurzbach, she lived (1765-1805)

Until 1803 Dechaness Maria Crescentia Fugger zu Stettenfels
She was Abbess of Sankt Ursula in Köln, Pröpstin von Werden and Dechantin of Elten. She was daughter of Ludwig Zavier, Graf Fogger, Herr zu Stettenfels and Anna von Hohenzollern-Sigmaingen and lived (1761-1821).

1805 Abbess Friederike von Radziwill
Appointed at the age of 8 by King Friederich Wilhelm III von Preussen.

1805-11 Princess-Abbess Laetitia Murat
Also known as Princess Marie Letizia Josephine Annonciade Murat . After the territory was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Berg, Grand Duke Joachm Murat got permission by Napoleon I to name her to the position of Princess-Abbess. The chapter was abolished when he became King of Napoli in 1811. She married Guido Taddeo, Marchese Pepoli, Conte di Castiglione (1789-1852), had several children, and lived (1802-59).

 
Ecclesiastical Territory of Essen (Kaiserliche Freiweltlichen Stift Essen - Imperial Free Worldly Chapter)  (In Nordhrein-Westphalen/North Rhine-Westphalia)
Founded ca 850 as a Countly Ladies Chapter, with Imperial Protection. In 1216 Emperor Friedrich II designated the Abbess as Princess of the Realm, since 1661 with the title: Des heiligen römishen Reichs Fürstin und Äbtissin in Essen, Frau zu Breisig, Huckard und Rellinghausen. (Princess and Abbess of the Holy Roman Realm and Lady of Breisig, Huckard and Rellinghausen), The Fürstäbtissin was member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Bench of Lords Spiritual) of the Westphalian Circle Estate, Westphalischer Kreis (the regional Assembly) from 1500, 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm - which meant that she was member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. As a result of the (Principal Conclusion of the Reichsdeputationshauptschlus (Extraordinary Imperial Delegation) state was secularized and became a part of Prussia 1803. Between 1807-13 part of France and then again part of Prussia.

996 the Abbess founded a new free worldly Chapter for Canonisses in Rellinghausen und gründete hier 996, for daughters of the lower nobility (niederen Adels), who did not take the oath as nun and were free to marry at any time, which was administered by a Dechaness on behalf of the Princess-Abbess of Essen.

852-ca.64 Gerswind I
She was sister of the Holy Altfrid, the founder of the Abbey.

864-78 Gerswind II

878-95 Adalwi

895-906 Wicburg

907-910 Mathilde I

910-951 Hathwig
In 946 the abbey burned to the ground, and she had it rebuild, and had the documents reneved, which had been destroyed during the fire. Emperor Otto I granted the Chapter immunity and arranged that the abbess was placed directly under the jurisdiction of the pope and not the bishop of Köln - so-called exemption.

951-965 Agana

966-971 Ida

971-1011 Mathilde II
Daughter of Duke Liudolf von Schwaben, son of Emperor Otto I the Great and Ida von Schwaben, daughter of Duke Hermann of Schwaben. She is famous for the multitude of scaral artswork that she had made for the Church of the Chapter, the Münster zu Essen. She raised her niece, Mathilde of Quedlinburg, daughter of Otto II. 

1012-1039 Sophia I
Abbess of Gandersheim from 1001. She seems to have paid only short visits to Essen. She was a highly esteemed personality, and seems to have interfered in the election of her grandnephew as emperor Konrad II. She was daughter of Emperor Otto II and Empress Theophanu.

1039-1056 Theophanu
She optained tradning and commerce rights for the abbess. She was daughter of Count Palatine Ezzo of Lothringen and Mathilde von Sachsen. Also granddaughter of Emperor Otto II and Empress Theophanu. Also Abbess of Gandershim and Pröbstin von Rellinghausen, and lived (circa 1000-56).

1058-after 1085 Svanhild

Circa 1088-1118 Lutgardis

1119-1137 Oda von Calw

1140-1154 Ermentrudis

1154-1172 Hadwig von Wied
Abbess of  Gerresheim and founder of the Benediktinerine-convent Schwarzrheindorf in Bonn. She was sister of Archbishop Arnold von Wied of Köln

1172-1216 Elisabeth I
Abbess of Vreden and St. Maria im Kapitol in Köln

1216-1237 Aleidis (Adelheid)

1237-1241 Elisabeth II

1243-1292 Berta von Arnsberg 
Before her election she was Pröbstin of the Chapter.

1292-1327 Beatrix von Holte

1327-1337 Kunigunde von Berg
Daughter of Heinrich von Berg, Herr zu Windeck and Agnes von Altona, daughter of Count Engelbert von Mark

1337-1360 Katharina I von der Mark

In 1338 Pröbstin Lutigardis
The Dechantin, Dechaness, was Irmgardis.

1360-1370 Irmgard I von Broich

1370-1412 Elisabeth III von Nassau

1413-1426 Margareta I von Mark-Arenberg

1426-1445 Elisabeth IV von Beeck

1445-1447 Sophia II von Daun-Oberstein

1447-1459 Elisabeth V von Saffenberg

1459-1489 Sophia III von Gleichen

1489-1521 (Aemone) Meyna von Daun-Oberstein

1521-1534 Margareta II von Beichlingen

1534-1551 Sybille von Montfort-Rotenfels

1551-1560 Katharina I von Tecklenburg

1560-1561 Maria von Spiegelberg

Until 1561 Pröbstin
1561-1575 Irmgard II von Diepholz

1575-1578 Elisabeth VI von Manderscheid-Blankenheim-Gerolstein

1578-1588 Elisabeth VII von Sayn

1588-1598 Elisabeth VIII von Manderscheid-Blankenheim

1598-1604 Margarete-Elisabeth von Manderscheid-Blankenheim-Gerolstein
Also Abbess of  Schwarzrheindorf, Gerresheim and Freckenhorst

Until 1603 Pröbstin Anna von Daun
The Pröbstin was the Primas Inter Pares and she was the leader of the Sittings of the Chapter (Kapitel Sitsungen) which took care of the day to day business of the Chapter.

1605-1614 Elisabeth IX von Berge tot s'Heerenberg 
Abbess of Nottuln and Freckenhorst

1614-1644 Maria Clara von Spaur und Vallier

1646-1647 Anna Eleonore von Staufen
In 1621 she became Dechantin or Decaness of Essen, the third ranking office. Princess-Abbess of Thorn in the Netherlands 1631-46.

1647-88 Anna Salome I von Salm-Reifferscheid

Until 1666 Pröbstin Erika Christine von Manderscheid-Blankenheim-Gerolstein
Concurrently Abbess of St. Ursula in Köln.

Until 1668 Pröbstin Maria Walburga Eusebia Truchsess von Walburg-Trauchburg

1688-89 Acting Princess-Abbess Maria Franziska Truchsess von Walburg-Trauchburg
She had hoped to become Princess-Abbess in 1689, when Anna Salome II won the elections over Bernhardine Sophia von Ostfriesland. Maria Franziska was Pröbstin until her death in 1693.

1689-91 Anna Salome II von Manderscheid-Blankenheim
Also Princess-Abbess of Thorn in the Netherlands 1646-47.

1691-1726 Bernhardine Sophia von Ostfriesland und Rietberg

Until 1692 Pröbstin Maria-Franziska II von Waldburg-Zeil
In 1689 she had attempted to become candidate for the post of Princess-Abbess of Essen, but was deinied the right to do so because she was not of a Swabian Noble family. Princess-Abbess of Buchau 1692-93.

Until 1718 Scholastica Juliane Elisabeth Anna Luise von Hessen-Wanfried
In 1718 she married Count Christian Otto von Limburg-Styrum and had 4 children with him before she died from childbed. She lived (1690-1724)

1726-1776 Franziska Christine von der Pfalz-Sulzbach
Also Princess-Abbess of Thorn in the Netherlands 1717-76.

1757-73 Koadjutorin Anna Charlotte von Lothringen
Princesse-Abbesse of Remiremont, Dame de Saint Pierre and Metz etc. 1738-73, Secular Abbess of Sainte-Waudru in Mons, Abbess Coadjutrice of Thorn 1756-73. She was daughter of Leopold Joseph and Elisabeth Charlotte d'Orléans, her brother, Franz Sephan married Queen Maria-Theresia of Austria-Hungary and became Holy Roman Emperor. Anna Charlotte lived (1714-73).

1775-76 Koadjutorin Maria Kunigunde von Sachsen
1776-1803 Princess-Abbess
Concurrently Princess-Abbess of Thorn in the Netherlands. Her sister, Marie Christine, was Princess-Abbess of Remiremont in France from 1773.

Until 1777 Pröbstin Augusta von Manderscheid-Blankenheim

Royal Chapter of Frauenchiemsee (Benediktinerinnen-Abtei Frauenwörth im Chiemsee ) (Abbey of the Realm (782-1201)
The convent was founded by Duke Tassilo III in 782, at the Fraueninsel im Chiemsee (Lady's Island of the Lake Chiemsee), 788 Karl the Great raised it to the position of an Imperial Immediacy (Reichsabtei), King Heinrich IV gave convent with all it's rights to the Archbishop of Salzburg in 1062, but the nuns protested and in he took the convent back in royal possession in 1077, and Pope Innocence II confirmed this status in 1141, but already in 1201 king Philipp 1201 transferred the Convent to the Archbishop of Salzburg, who then became the spiritual and secular lord of the convent, but the chapter kept the positition of "Royal Convent", and the Guardians, the Dukes of Bavaria, continued to confirm the rights and freedoms of the convent throughout the 14. and 15 century, and were very involved in the economic development in the 16. century. Held a seat at the Bank of Swabian Prelates of the Realm of the Imperial Diet. Secularized in 1803 but continued as convent and 1901 it was raised to the position of Abbey again.

857/860-866 Irmgard von Chiemsee
She was daughter of King Ludwig the German, Duke of Bavaria since 826, and Abbess of Buchau from 850. During her reign the Chapter for Noble ladies developped into an actual Bennedictine Convent. After her death, she was honored as "second founder" and holy and patron of Chiemgau, and in 1928 she was declared holy. She lived (circa 833-66).

.......

um 1004 Gerberga
Perhaps daughter of Duke Heinrich II. von Bayern 
............

1145/1154 Walburga/Walpurg

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1242 Petrissa

...........

1311 Herburgis

............

1327 Offmay

................

1396 Elisabeth die Thorerin

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1467-1494 Magdalena Auer zu Winkel
During her reign the chapter church, Mariä Opferung, was rebuild in late gothic style, but it was already destroyed in a feuer in 1491.

1494-1528 Ursula Pfäffinger
Also known as Pfeffingerin, she restored the church and built more buildings of the chapter.

.................

(1558 during the reformation only the Abbess, 4 ladies of the chapter and 2 novices lived in the convent against normally 16 canonisses).


1582-1609 Sabina Preyndorfer
Under the influence of the Concil of Trient she reformed and rebuilt the chapter.

1609-1650 Maria Magdalena Haidenbucher
Also known as Haydenbuechner, she appointed to the position by the election committee as the election between her and Helena Schinweiss ended in a draw. Known as an able administrator, she continued the reforms of the chapter. During the 30 year war the chapter was exposed to financial strains, and during the War of the Spanish Succession the canonisses had to flee to Salzburg. She lived (1576-1650).

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Around 1700 Maria Abundantia Theresia von Griming

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1702-1733 Irmengard II. von Scharfstedt
She built new buildings at the chapter and changed the gothic church into baroque.

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Around 1920/1925 Benedicta M. Fensel
She was the 53. Abbess

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1980-2003 Domitilla Veith
The 55. Abbess

2003-2006 Priorin Benedikta Frick
Acting Adminsitrator

2006- Johanna Mayer
Nun since 1987. (b. 1953-).

 

Ecclesiastical Territory of Gandersheim  (Kaiserlich gefürsteten freiweltlichen Stiftes zu Gandersheim - The Imperial Royal Free Worldly Chapter) (Das freie weltilche Stift Gandersheim - The Free Worldly Chapter of Gandersheim, or Das Stift zu St. Anastasius und St. Innocentius ) (in Bad Gandersheim in Niedersachsen)
856 the Chapter was founded, 877 it became an Imperial Immediacy (Reichsunmittelbarheit) and 1021 Abbesses also aquired the rank of Countesses. 1417 the Abbesses was made Princess of the Empire (Reichsäbtissin zu Gandersheim) and became a member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench and as such she was mentioned among the Rheinissche Prälaten (Prelates of the Rhine), who were represented at the Imperial Diet in 1792. 1802 the state was secularised and annexed to Braunschweig. 

By the end of the 18th century the territory was reduced to less than half a square kilometer, and the Chapter and City of Bad Gandersheim had about 1.800 inhabitants.

852-874 Hathumod von Sachsen
She started building the church of the chapter in 856. The daughter of Duke Liudolf and Oda von Bilung, she lived (840-74)

874-896 Gerberga I von Sachsen
Succeeded her sister Hathumod. 877 King Ludwig the Younger placed the chapter under the protection of the realm.

896-997 Christina I von Sachsen
Succeded her sister Gerberga. (d. 919)

910-927 Liutgard I Dodica von Sachsen
Also known as Luidgard, she was sister of King Heinrich I

919-27 Roswitha
Also known as Hrotsuit or Rotsuita. The year before her death, the western tower of the church was finished.

927-949  Wendelgard
Also known as Windilgardis or Wildigrat. The convent of St. Marien was founded for women who were not of noble birth.

949-56 Acting Abbess Gerberga II von Bayern
956-1001 Abbess
Because she was too young, she was not consecrated until 7 years after her election as Abbess. Until 973 the Chanoness Rowitha von Gandersheim wrote her works. Gerberga was daughter of Heinrich I and Judith von Bayern, the heiress of Duke Arnulf of Bayern, and lived (circa 940-1001). 

1001-39 Sophia I. von Sachsen
Daughter of Otto II, and aided her brother, Otto III in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire, f.ex she went along with him to Rome in 996, and she acctually functioned as the First Lady at Court, as "Consors Imperii". After Otto's death she and her sister, Abbess Adelheid of Quedlinburg participated in the "Assembly of the Great of Sachsen" in the Pfalz Werla, which chose their cousin, Heinrich IV of Bayern as the new king under the name of Heinrich II, and they both took part in his coronation. She had been elected Abbess in 1001 but was in dispute with the Bishop of Hillesheim. Also Heinrich's successor, Konrad, made contact with the two Princesses after his election because of their high rank and stature in the Empire. Sophie was also Abbess of Essen and Vreden. She lived (975-1039).

1039-43 Adelheid I von Sachsen
She was the sister of Sophie, already Abbess of Quedlinburg since 999, and of Gernrode, Frose and Vreden from 1014, and lived (978-1043).

1045-61 Beatrix I von Franken
She was Abbess von Quedlinburg 1044-1061. The fact that she was the first Abbess of the House of the Salier resulted in a dispute with the canonesses and Pope Leo IX had to send Hildbrand (Later Pope Gregor VII) to stop the disputes. She was daughter of Heinrich III and Gisela von Schwaben and lived (1037-61).

1061-96 Adelheid II von Franken
She was Abbess of Quedlinburg from 1063, daughter of Emperor Heinrich III and Agnes de Poitou, and lived (1045-96)

1096-1104 Adelheid III.

1104-111 Frederun
Also known as Vrederun, she was member of an important ruling families of the Holy Roman Empire.

1111-25 Agnes I.
Niece of Emperor Heinrich IV, she lived (1091-1125)

1125-30 Berta I.
Also known as Berhta.

1130-52 Luitgard II
She reformed the chapters of Clus and Brunshausen. In 1148 a Princly Assembly (Fürstentag) took place in the territory.

1152-84 Adelheid IV. von Sommerschenburg
The Pfalzgräfin or Countess Palatine was in close contact with Hildgard von Bingen, whom she has brought up.

1184-96 Adelheid V. von Hessen
Her title was "Edle" or Noble.

1196-1223 Mechthild I. zu Wohldenberg
Pope  Innocence III. placed the chapter under Papal protection in 1206 and finishes the century old dispute with the Bishop of Hildesheim.

1223-52 Berta II.
Even though Duke Otto von Braunschweig had promished not to build a castle that would damage the interests of the chapter, he build a "house" in 1232. She was member of a noble family from Hessen.

1253-1305  Margarete I. von Plessen
The marschalate of the chapter (Schutzvogtei) ends in 1259, and the chapter of the realm thereby reached the hight of its power. She was born as "Edle Frau" or Noble Lady.

1305-16 Mechthild II. zu Wohldenberg

1317-31 Sophia II. von Büren
The citizen of the city of Gandersheim bought their "eternal freedom" for 100 Silver Mark from the chapter in 1329, and thereby she is able to pay her depts by the Pope.

1331-57 Jutta zu Waldeck-Schwalenberg
Also known as Judith, she was daughter of Heinrich II von Waldeck, Count of Schwalenberg and Elisabeth von Kleve.

1357-58 Ermgard zu Waldeck-Schwalenberg
Also known as Ermengardis, she succeeded sister.

1359-1402 Luitgard III zu Hammerstein
Also known as Lutgard. The chapter became more and more under the influence of the Dukes of Braunschweig

1402-12 Sophia III. zu Braunschweig-Lüneburg
The only child of Duke Ludwig and Mathilde zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel. She (d. 1412).

1412-39 Agnes II. zu Braunschweig-Grubenhagen
She received the rank and title of a Princess of the Realm in 1417. Daughter of Duke Erich I of Braunschweig-Grubenhagen Elisabeth of Braunschweig-Göttingen. Her sister, Sophie, was de-facto ruler of the territory from 1443. Agnes lived (circa 1406-39).

1439 Elisabeth I von Dorstadt

1439-52 Elisabeth II zu Braunschweig-Grubenhagen
Possibly the Elisabeth, who was sister of Agnes, and became widow of Duke Kasimir V of Pommern in 143, and lived (circa 1409-52).

1452-67 Walburg zu Spiegelberg
She was thrown out of the chapter by troops from Braunschweig in 1453. Her election was confirmed by the Pope in 1453, 1456, 1458 and 1465 but she was not able to claim her rights and in 1467 she resigned.

1453-67 De Facto Ruler Sophia IV. zu Braunschweig-Grubenhagen
1467-85 Princess-Abbess
The troops of her brother, Duke Heinrich III from Braunschweig pawed her way to the office by exiling Princess-Abbess Waldburg, and after her abdication in 1467 she was confirmed in the office. Her sister, Agnes II, regined 1412-39. She lived (circa 1407-85).

1485-1504 Agnes III von Anhalt-Zerbst
In 1503 the chapter had to accept the occupation of Wilhelmsburg and the Convent of Barfüßer by the Duke of Brauschweig. She was also Abbess of Neuenheerse (1486-92) and of Kaufungen (1495-1504). She was daughter of Georg I von Anhalt-Serbst and Sophie (d. 1451), and her sister Scolastika, was Abbess of Gernrode (1465-1505). She lived (1445-1504).

1504-31 Gertrud von Regenstein und Blankenberg
Her election was confirmed by the Pope with the provision that she had to pay a yearly pension to the "contra-abbess" Katharina von Hohenstein, but she did not fulfil this part of her obligation. In 1518 Duke Heinrich zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel forced a compromise between the two competitors for the office. The ducal castle was expanded in 1528 and neighbouring hoses torn down to get a free shot at the chapter.

1504-36 "Contra-Abbess" Katharina von Hohnstein
In 1506 a compromise was reachend with Gertrud von Regenstein-Blankenberg and she was named Dechaness and got a Pension for life for resigning the post to which she had been elected, just like Gertrud. But as she did not get her pension the despute continued.

1530-32 Koadjutor Maria zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
1532-39 Abbess
Appointed by the Duke without an election and newer set foot in the chapter. The administration was taken over by Ducal civil servants. She lived (1527-39).

1539-47 Clara zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel 
The territory was occupied by the troops of the Schmalkaldish Union in 1542 and the same year the city became protestant, but not the chapter. In 1547 her father, Heinrich von Braunschweig, declared that she had abdicated from the office of Fürstäbtissin. She lived (1532-

1547-77 Magdalena von Chlum
The church service became protestant in 1568, but she remained protestant.The territory was occupied by Duke Julius von Braunschweig i 1575 and she was taken prisoner.

1577-89 Margarethe II. von Chlum
After one year in office Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel de-facto took over as ruler of the territory, and she had to flee to Neuenheerse and was only able to return after the second contra-abbess Margarete von Warberg died in 1587.

1577-82 De-facto ruler Contra-Abbess Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
After Margareta von Chlum was elected as Princess-Abbess, her father, Duke Julius, occupied and claimed that she was the real ruler, and Margareta had to flee. Margarete von Warberg was in power until 1587, and only then Margareta II was able to return.

1582-87 De-facto Contra-Abbess Margarete von Warberg
She followed Elisabeth zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel as the contra-abbess and real ruler after the official office-holder, Margareta II, had to flee in 1578.

1589-1611 Anna Erica zu Waldeck-Eisenberg
Also known as Anna Erich or Erika, she was the first Evangelican ruler of the territory, and for the first time since 1206 no Papal confirmation was sought for her election. The chapter burned down in 1597 and was rebulid in renaissance-style. She was daughter of Wolrad II Count of Waldeck-Eisenberg and Anastasia von Schwarzenburg, and lived (1551-1611)

1611-25 Dorothea Augusta zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
Former Koadjutor and had to flee for the army of Tilly which was on its way to Wolfenbüttel. Daughter of Julius von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Dorothea von Sachsen. Died of the plauge.

1625-49 Katharina Elisabeth von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst
Also known as Catharina Elisabeth. The city of Gandersheim was occupied several times by Tilly's troops in 1626. Also known as Katharina Elisabeth she was daughter of Duke Anton II of Oldenburg Delmenhorst and Sibylle Elisabeth of Braunschweig-Dannenberg, regent of Delmenhorst 1619-30. One sister, Sidonia, was sovereign of Herford (1640-49) before her marriage to Duke August Philip von Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Beck, and another, Sibylla Maria, was Dechantin of Herford until 1638. Catharina Elisabeth lived (1603-49).

1650-65 Maria Sabina zu Solms-Lich 
Daughter of  Count Ernst II zu Solms-Lich and Countesss Anna von Mansfeld, she lived (1600-65)

1665-78 Dorothea Hedwig zu Slesvig-Holsten-Norburg
When she converted to Catholisism she had to resign her position. She then married Count Christof von Rantzau-Hohenfeld (1625-96), she was daughter of Friedrich of Norborg and his second wife Eleonore von Anhalt-Zerbst, and lived (1636-92).

1678-81 Christine Sofie zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
She resigned in order to marry Duke August Wilhelm of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel (1662-1731). She was daughter of Duke Rudolf August of Christiane Elisabeth, Gräfin von Barby, and lived (1654-95).

1681-93 Christina II zu Mecklenburg-Schwerin
She was the 16th child of Duke Adolf Friedrich I and the second daughter of his second wife, Marie Katharina von Braunschweig-Dannenberg. Her sister, Marie Elisabeth was ruler of the territory 1712-13, and lived (1639-93)

1693-1712 Henriette Christine von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel  
Resigned after giving birth to a child, and entered a Catholic convent in Roermond. Daughter of Duke Anton Ulrich of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Elisabeth Juliane of Holstein-Norburg, she lived (1669-1753)

1712-13 Marie Elisabeth zu Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Her sister, Christine II reigned the territory 1681-93. Born as the 18th and second last child of Duke Adolf Friederich I and the fourth of five daughters of his second wife, Marie Katharina von Braunschweig-Dannenberg, and lived  (1646-1713)

1713-66 Elisabeth Ernestine Antonie of Sachsen-Meiningen
Daughter of Duke Bernhard I of Saxe-Meiningen and his second wife Elisabeth Eleonore von Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, and lived (1681-1766)

1716-76 Dechaness Sophie Juliane von Schwarzburg-Rudolfstadt
She lived (1693-1776)

1766-78 Therese Natalie zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
Daughter of Ferdinand Albrecht of Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel and Antoinette Amalie of Braunschweig-Blankenberg. Her sister was the de-facto regent Queen Juliane-Marie of Denmark. Therese Natalie lived (1728-78).

1776-95 Dechaness Magdalene Sibylle von Schwarzburg-Rudolfstadt
She lived (1726-95).

1778-1802 Auguste Dorothea zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel
The last Sovereign of the Ecclesiastical Ruler of the Territory of the Realm. In 1802 she resigned her rights and the chapter accepted the sovreignty of Braunschweig, and she remained it's Abbess until her death. She was Pröpstin of Quedlinburg 1792-1802. After her death, King Jerome of Westphalen abolished and anexed the chapter. She was daughter of  Karl I von Braunschweig (1713-35-80) and Augusta of Great Britain, and lived (1749-1810).

                                      
Ecclesiastical Territory of Gernrode (Damenstift Gernrode) (Das Freie weltliche Stift Gernrode - The Free Worldly Chapter) (Reichsabtei Sankt Cyrakius in Gernrode) (In Sachsen-Anhalt)
Founded 959. The Abbey was not sovereign (Landeshoheit), but had wide-ranging and papal privileges and was placed under Imperial Protection in 961 (Reichstift), and it seems that at some point the Abbesses assumed the title of became Princesses of Empire. From 1500 member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly Member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly, which was not devided into benches unlike the other Circle Assemblies. She was also member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench, but in 1604 the state was annexed by Anhalt, in 1627 the Emperor asked about the election of a new Abbess, but the answer was wauge. and after some disputes its vote in the Imperial Diet was finally taken over by Anhalt since 1654. It was secularized in 1728 and finally incorporated into Anhalt. Also Abbess of Frose, normally lead by one of the canonesses of Gernrode, who held the office of Pröbstin (Dechaness) of Frose.

962-1014 Hadewig von Billung
Also known as Hathui, Haduwi, Hathuwi or Hedwighe, she was daughter of Count Wichmann in Bardengau and Bia. Her aunt, Mathilde (circa 896-968) was married to King Heinrich von Liudolfingen of Germany. After the death of her husband, Count Siegfried in Nordthüringengau in 961, she became abbess of the Convent, and soon found herself in a difficult situation. Her uncle, Hermann and both of her brothers, Wichmann the Younger and Ekbert took parts in rebels against the empreors Otto I and Otto II, but after their death, she managed to create peace between the Billungs and the Ottons, and she was often invited to parties at court. She lived (circa 939-1014).

1014-43 Adelheid I von der Ostmark
She was Abbess of Quedlinburg (999-1043) of Gernrode (1014-43)
of Frohse (1014-43) of Vreden (1014-43) of Gandersheim (1039-43), and lived (977-1043)

1044-56 or 63 Hazecha von Ballenstedt
Also known as Heilika, she was probably daughter of Count Adalbert I and Hidda von Ostmark

1056/63-circa 1118 Hedwig II von Stade

1118-... Hedwig III

1118-52 Hedwig IV von Seeburg 
It is not certain that she reigned the territory during this period.

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1205-06 Richenza         

1207-20 Adelheid II von Büren

1220-44 Sophia von Anhalt

1245-48  Irmengarde I         

1248-perhaps 1260 Oda von Meinersem    

1260-75 Gertrudis I von Anhalt
It is not certain that she reigned the territory. Mathilde von Branschweig might have been in charge.

1267/75-97 Mechtildis I von Braunschweig-Lüneburg
Mathilde

1298-1307 Irmengarde II von Ummendorf 
Irmgard.

1305-after 1311 Hedwig IV

Before 1315-24 Gertrudis II von Bowenden 

1325-33 Jutta von Osede 

1334-44 Gertrudis III von Eberstein 

1344-48 Gertrudis IV von Hessnem

1348-74 Adelheid III von Anhalt 
Adelheid, von Gottes Gnaden Äbtissin

Around 1353 Pröbstin Lutgard
The Provost was the Deputy of the Abbess.

Around 1353 Dekanin Agnes von Merwitz

Around 1353 Treasurer Jutta
Her title in German was Schatzmeisterin.

1374-1400 Adelheid IV von Walde 

1400-25 Bertrade von Schneuditz 

1425-45 Agnes Schenk von Landsberg

1445-63 Mechtildis II von Anhalt

1463-69 Margarethe von Merwitz 

1469-1504 Scholastica von Anhalt

1504-32 Elisabeth Reuss von Weida 

1532-48 Anna I Reuß von Plauen 

1548-58 Anna II von Kittlitz 

1558-64 Elisabeth II von Gleichen

1564-70 Elisabeth III von Anhalt
She resigned in order to marry Count Wolfgang II von Barby. She was the youngest daughter of Johann von Anhalt-Zerbst and Margrethe von Brandenburg, was succeeded by her niece, Anne Marie von Anhalt, and lived (1545-74).

1570-77 Anna-Maria von Anhalt
Also known as Anna Maria von Anhalt-Bernburg-Zerbst, she succeeded her aunt as the first of four sisters to occupy the post of sovereign of the territory and resigned in order to marry Duke Joachim Friederich von Schlesien, Duke of Liegnitz, Brieg and Wohlau (1550-1602), and mother of 6 children. She was daughter of Prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt and Eleonore von Württemberg, and lived (1651-1505).

1577-81 Sibylle von Anhalt
Succeeded her sister, Anne Marie as sovereign of the territory. When she resigned to marry Duke Freiderich von Württemberg (1557-1616), she was succeeded by another sister, Agnes Hedwig. She lived (1564-1614).

1581-86 Agnes Hedwig von Anhalt
The third of four of daughters of prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt to rule the territory, she was follower of Melanchthons (Philippstine), which was in opposition to the ruling Lutherian Orthodoxy in Dresden. At the age of 14 she married Kurfürst August von Sachsen-Dessau, who died of a stroke after less than a month. And then, after 5 years as ruler of Gernrode she married as his second wife, Duke Johann von von Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön in 1588. He was the brother of August's first wife, Anna of Denmark. Agnes-Hedwig gave birth to seven children of which two daughters survived, and lived (1573-1616).

1586-93 Dorothea Maria von Anhalt
Resigned to marry Duke Johann von Sachsen-Weimar (1570-1605) and became mother of 11 children. The daughter of Prince Joachim Ernst von Anhalt and Eleonore von Württemberg, she lived (1574-1617).

1593-1610 Sophia Elisabeth von Anhalt-Dessau
After she resigned in order to marry her cousin, Georg Rudolf (Jerzy) von Liegnitz (1595-1653) as his first wife, the Ecclesiastical Territory was secularised and incorporated into Anhalt-Bernburg. She was daughter of Johann Georg I von Anhalt-Dessau and his first wife, Dorothea von Mansfeld-Arnstein, did not have any children, and lived (1589-1622).

 

Chapter of Gerresheim (Weltlichen Damenstift Gerresheim - Worldly Ladies' Chapter) (In Nordrhein-Westfalen)
During the middle ages the convent - noble chapter Canonesses (Kanonissenstift) was one of the most important in the Holy Roman Realm, but never became an Imperial Immediacy (Reichsfrei) and the Abbess did never become Princess of the Realm (Reichsfürstin)

By the end of the 800s Regenbirg

905/06-922 Lantswind

Until 1058 Theophanu 

1080 Mechthild

1107 Heizzecha

1150/52 Hadwig von Wied
 
1170 Kunigunde von Windeck

1202-12 Gertrud I 

1212 Guda

1241-54 Elisabeth

1254-87 Gertrud II von Neuenkirchen

circa 1298-1309/10 Christina

1311-25 Kunigunde von Berg

1325-27 Beatrix von Virneburg
She did not recieve the papal confirmation of her election.

1327-32 Martha von Öttgenbach

1332-67  Ida von Waldeck 1332 und der Beilegung von Auseinandersetzungen zwischen Äbtissin und Kanonissen

1367-circa 84 Rykardis von der Sleiden

1387 Gertrud III

1390-1413 Katharina von Rennenberg
 
1417/29 Jutta von Daun

1438-61 Irmgard I von Kerpen

After 1453 Rykardis

Around 1461 Agnes von Isenburg

1462-70 Gertrud VI von Runkel
She was daughter of Dietrich von Runkel and Anastasia von Isenburg-Wied.

1472/1507 Anna I von Tecklenburg

1522/25 Irmgard II von Salm-Reifferscheid

1525-1554 Amalie von Rennenberg

1520-65 Anna II von Limburg

1565-85 Felicitas von Eberstein
She resigned.

1586-90 Administratorin Margarethe von Loe
Also Abbess of Neuss.

1586-1591 Margarethe Elisabeth von Manderscheid-Gerolstein

1591-1638 Guda II von Winkelhausen
She was the first abbess of Lower Nobility, and from 1613 also Abbess of St. Maria im Kapitol in Kölln In 1613 she gave Estate in Kalkum as a fief to the children of Johann von Winkelhausen and his wife Anna and the same year both she and her sister, Elisabeth wo was Chanoness of  the Chapter of Flaesheim paid their share of the inheritance.

1638-63 Maria von Reuschenberg

1663-85 Klara Franziska Spies von Büllesheim

1685-94 Maria Sophia Spies von Büllesheim 

1694-1727 Maria von Bentinck 

1728-40 Theresia Katharina von Metternich 

1740-57 Maria Viktoria von Nesselrode-Hugenpoet 

1757-61 Maria Charlotta Berghe von Trips 

1761-63 Maria Philippine Ulner von Dieburg 

1763-1803 Maria Sophia von Schönau 

Ecclesiastical Territory of Gutenzell (In Baden-Württenberg (Swabia))
Founded 1230-37. It is not clear when the abbesses became Princesses of Empire,(Reichsäbtissin zu Gutenzell), but in 1417 and 1437 the convent was granted certain privileges by Emperor Sigismund. From 1500 Member of the Bench of Prelates of the Swabian Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly  of the Schwabische Kreis. 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm, and as such the Princess-Abbess was member of the College of the Prelates of Swabia, whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat), and 1792 she was mentioned as being represented at the Imperial Diet via the College. The state was secularized in 1803 and became a part of Württemberg 1806.

1237-43  Mechtildis von Auchheim

1243-45  Ita

1245-50  Heiliata

1250-59  Lutgardis

1259-77  Gertrudis

1277-81  Gutta

1281-93  Gueta (the same?)

1293-94  Hilga

1294-1311  Ita

1311-14  Agnes von Berbach

1314-17  Klara von Tissen

1317-47  Lutgarda von Aichheim

1347-49  Sophia

1349-51  Guethild

1351-1403  Gueta von Weisser

1403-04  Elisabeth Frey

1404-08  Bertha I von Griesingen

1404-08  Bertha II von Freisingen

1408-37  Bertha III von Freisingen

1437-44 Agnes

1444-59  Dorothea Neth

1459-73  Ottilia Durchlacher

1473-88  Ursula Egglofer

1488-1504  Walburga Gretter

1504-16  Walburga Buck

1516-26  Katharina Becht

1526-28  Barbara von Stottingen

1528-42  Magdalena von Freyberg

1542-67 Maria von Hohenlandenberg

1567-1610 Maria Segesser von Brunegg
Also known as Maria von Segesser aus Brunegg

1610-30  Anna Segesser von Brunegg

1630-63  Barbara Thumb

1663-96  Franziska von Freyberg

1696-1718 Viktoria Hochwind

1718-47  Bernardina von Donnersberg

1747-59  Franziska von Gall

1759-76  Alexandra Zimmermann

1776-1803  Justina von Erolzheim (died 1809)

H

Ecclesiastical Territory of  Heggbach (Reichsabtei Heggbach - Chapter of the Realm) (In Baden-Württenberg)
The Abbesses was Princesses of Empire since 1429 with a vote in The College of the Prelates of Swabia, whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench, (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat). 1500 Member of the Bench of Prelates of the Swabian Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly  of the Schwabische Kreis, 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände, 1792 Represented at the Imperial Diet (Reichstag) via the Collge of Prelates. In 1803 the state was secularized and in 1806 it became a part of Württemberg.

- The abbesses came mainly from peasents and merchantfamilies

1195-1219 Hedwige Waxgab
Also known as Hedwig Wachsgab
....
1243-53 Patientia 

Around 1263 Wilibirgis

1273-1302 Irmengard
Also known as Irmelgard or Irmgard.

.....

1304 Gertrude 
Also known as Gertrud.
....
1312-22 Halwig II Wachsgeb
She came from Ulm.

1315 Anna I

1331 Katharina I (Wachsgeb?)

1335-65 Anna II Muht

1339 Cristina or Cristine Gräter

1349 Adelheid

1351-54 Agnes I von Freyberg

Around 1390 Katharina II von Stadion

1396-97 Anastasia von Emerkingen

1401-06 Anna III von Freyberg

1401-12 Susanna von Freyberg
Also known as Susan or Osanna

1427-34 Klara Ströl(er) (she died 1460)

1437-50 Elisabeth I Hoffmann

1439 Agathe I Gräter
Apparently died after a few months in office in opposition to Elisabeth Hoffmann.
           
1450-54 Agathe II von Stadion    
(d. 1480)

1454-80 Elisabeth II Kröhl

1480-1509 Anna IV Sauter   

1509-15 Anna V Kobold           

1515-26 Barbera I Ellenbog 

1526-32 Walburga Bitterler 

1532-39 Margaretha I Hauptmann 

1539-53 Veronica Berenike Krel (Kröhl)

1553-59 Ursula I Schad          
Former Prioress and Second in Command. She resigned and died a few months after.

1559-90 Lucia Hildebrand     
Former Prioress. Resigned (d. 1605).

1589-1605 Ursula II von Stotzingen
Former Prioress.  

1605-10 Veronica von Freyberg    
Resigned (d. 1613)

1610-27 Barbara II Hörburger    

1627-29 Barbera III Gräter 
Former Prioress.

1629-35 Margarethe II Täschler 
Former Prioress. Died of plague.

1636-63 Scholastica Eberhardt
 
1663-65 Maria Appolonia Schweizer

1670-75 Maria Bernarda Östringer 

1675-87 Maria Caecilia I Vöhlerin (Vöhlin) 
Also known as Maria Cäcilia.

1687-1700 Maria Barbara IV Hager
Resigned (d. 1715).

Around 1687 Prioress Maria Theresia Rehlinger

Around 1687 Prioress Maria Antonia Motz

1700-12 Maria Magdalena Sohler

1712-42 Maria Caecilia II Constantia Schmid 
Also know as Maria Cäcilia.

1742-73 Maria Aleydis Zech  

Around 1742 Prioress Marie Anne Assam

1773-92 Maria Juliana Kurz 

1792-1803 Maria Anne Vogel
(d. 1825).
 

Eccleastical Territory of Herford (Reichsabtei Herford - Chapter of the Realm) (Das kaiserlich freiweltliche Stift Herford - The Imperial Free Worldly Chpater) (In Nordrhein-Westphalen)
The abbey was founded 820, granted Reichsfreiheit (became an Imperial Immediacy) 851, given rights of trade, coinage and costumes 973 and in 1147 it was granted Reichsunmittelbarkeit and 1155 the pope placed it directly under his protection (Reichs- und pabstunmittelbar). 1256 Condominate with the City of Herford (Co-Rule) something totally unique in the realm. The Abbey of the Realm placed itself under the protection of the Citizen of the City, who in exchange got important rights. This lead to a cooperation between Abbey and City for centuries and kept both free from other worldly lords. Member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Bench of Lords Spiritual) of the Westphalischer Kreis (Westphalian Circle) from 1500, and in 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm, in 1523 the Abbess was also appointed Princesses of the Empire (Reichsäbtissin zu Herford) and she became a  member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat) 1533 it became a secular protestant chapter, 1631 the City of Herford became a free city (Reichstadt) confirmed  by Reichkammergericht, 1802 it was anexed by Prussia.   

In the old days the territory was more 250 square miles but when it was abolished it's territory was less than half a square mile within the City of Herford and the Fräuleinstift St. Maria auf dem Berge outside the city, and its inhabitants were hardly more than the about 12 canonesses and 12 ladies from the daughter-chapter for ladies of the lower nobility at St. Maria.

Reformation 1565

There are different lists of abbesses and only from 1217 there is agreement on who held office when.

838-40 Theodrada or Tetta   

Before 844-after 853 Adila     

Before 858-after 888 Hedwig   

Before 908-after 911 Mathilde I
Of the House of Immeding (Immedigner)
     
Before 973-after 995 Imma von Sachsen
(Billunger)

Before 1002-after 1040 Godesta von Sachsen 
Founded the Fräuleinstift St. Maria auf dem Berge outside the city. Daughter of Duke Bernhard von Sachsen and Hildegard von Stade, and lived (992-1040).

Before 1051-after 1076 Schwanhild     

Before 1138-after 1039 Gertrud I   

..............

1146-62 Jutta von Arnsberg 
Probably identical with Countess Ida of Werl-Arnsberg, the only daughter of heir of Count Friedrich I von Werl-Arnsberg and Adelheid von Limburg. She and her first husband, Gottfried II, Count von Cappenberg had both entered a convent. After his death in 1127 she decided to leave the convent and married Gottfried von Kuic (Cuyk) (d. 1168) and had her only child, Heinrich I. Graf von Arnsberg (d. 1185). She lived  (circa 1100/05- after 1154)

1163-70 Lutgard I    
Also known as Ludgard

Circa 1180-1215/17 Eilika

1217-after 33 Gertrud II zur Lippe
Known as the founder of the new city of Herford (Neustadt) and she began building the Münsterkirche.

Before 1238-64 Ida    
During her reign the relationship with the city became strained as the citizens wanted to control their own affairs. In 1256 an agreement of Joint Rule was achieved.

1265-after 1276 Pinnosa     

Before 1278-after 1288 Mathilde II von Waldeck
Also known as Mechtild.

1290-1323 Irmgard von Wittgenstein 
She was candidate for the post of Princess-Abbess of Essen in 1292 and took the post in opposition to the winner as "Contra-Abbess".

1324-60 Ludgard II von Bicken
Possibly her surname was von Bickenem

1361 Heilwig von Bentheim

1361-74 Elisabeth I Von dem Berge

1374-1409 Hildgund von Oetgenbach 

1409-42 Mathilde III von Waldeck 
Also known as Mechtild.

1442-84 Margarethe I von Gleichen

1442-43 Contra-Abbess Margarete von Braunschweig-Grubenhagen

1476-79 Contra-Abbess Jakobe von Neuenhar

1484-94 Anna I von Hunolstein   

1494-1520 Ponzetta Boniseth von Limburg-Styrum
Bonitas or Bonizet was daughter of Wilhelm I von Limburg-Stirum and Agnes von Limburg  (d. 1524).

1520-65 Anna II von Limburg-Styrum
Also Abbess of Gerresheim. Koadjutorin 1515-20. Strong opponant of the protestant movement that reached the City around the time of her election as Abbess.

1565-75 Margarethe II. zur Lippe  
Her name was also spelled Margarete. With her the Chapter became Reformed.

1575-86 Felicitas I von Eberstein
Her name was also splled Felizitas

1586-1604 Magdalena I zur Lippe   

1604-21 Felicitas II von Eberstein
Her name was also splled Felizitas and she was Koadjutorin in 1603

Until 1638 Dechantin Sibylla Maria von Oldenburg-Delmenhorst,
Her sister, Catharina Elisabeth was Abbess of Gandersheim from 1649

1621-40 Magdalena II zur Lippe

1629-31 Contra-Abbess Maria Klara Theresia von Wartenberg

1640-49 Sidonia von Oldenburg  
She resigned.

1649-67 Elisabeth Louisa von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld
She was Pfalzgräfin bei Rhein

1652-58 Küsterin Louise Hollandine von der Pfalz
The Princess-Abbess prevented her election to Koadjutorin, in 1658 she fled her mother, the "Winther-Queen of Bohemia's" exile-court in Haag, converted to Catholisism and became Abbess of Maubuisson in France.

1661-67 Koadjutorin Elisabeth II von der Pfalz
1667-80 Princesss-Abbess
Pfalzgräfin (In English Elizabeth of Hervorden)

1680-86 Elisabeth III Albertine von Anhalt-Dessau 
Known as Elise Albertina

1686-88 Elisabeth IV von Hessen-Kassel  
Former Koadjutorin

1688-1728 Charlotte Sophia von Kurland (Livland)

1697-98 Koadjutorin Maria Elisabeth Pfalzgräfin bei Rhein

1717-19 Dechaness Friederike Albertine von Nassau-Katzenelnbogen
Daughter of Heinrich III zu Nassau-Katzenelnbogen-Vianden-Diez and Dorothea Elisabeth in Schlesia zu Liegnitz und Brieg, she lived (1668-1719).

1727-29 Koadjutorin Sophie Dorothee Marie von Preußen
She resigned

1729-50 Johanna Charlotte von Anhalt-Dessau 
Dowager Margravine von Brandenburg-Schwedt. She lived (1682-1750)  

1745 Koadjutorin Anna Amalie von Preußen
She resigned.          

1745 Koadjutorin Sophia von Holstein-Gottorp  
1750-64 Princess-Abbess
Hedwig Sophie Auguste von Schleswig-Holstein lived (1705- 1764)                        

1755-64 Koadjutorin Friedrike Charlotte Leopoldine Luise von Preussen (Brandeburg-Schwedt)
1764-1802 Princess-Abbess
She lived (1745-1808)       

1766-79 Koadjutorin Christine Charlotte von Hessen-Kassel
She resigned

1779-83 Koadjutorin Henriette Amalia Prinzessin von Anhalt-Dessau
Gave birth to a son in 1741 and refused to marry the father, a son of the Master of the Hunt. She became canoness at Herford but lived with a younger Baron von Rackman, whom he had elevated to the position of a Count of the Realm. She bought an estate in Frankfurt, where her son lived with a foster-family, and administered it very well, but her son died 1771/72. When the French Troops approached Frankfurt she fled to her native Dessau, where she died one year later. She lived (1720-93).

1783-96 Koadjutorin Friederike Dorothea Louise Philippine Prinzessin von Preußen
Former Dechaness, she resigned in order to marry the Prince of Radziwill

1796-1802 Koadjutorin Auguste Maria Caroline von Nassau-Weilburg
Also a Cannoness in Quedlinburg. She lived (1764-1802)
                                                        
                            
K

Eccleastical Territory of Kaufingen (Ritterschaftliche Stift Kaufingen - Noble Chapter) (In Hessen)
1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände. Abolished 1527/32 and incorporated into Hessen-Kassel

..........

1509-12 Princess-Abbess Anna von der Borch
Called together with other nuns from Gehrden to introduce more sombre rules in Kaufingen. She was grand-daughter of Arnd von der Borch and Beate von Dreer, Heiress of Langendreer. (d. 1512).

...........

Eccleastical Territory of Keppel (Käppel) (Freiweltliche Damenstift Keppel/Damenstift zu Geseke-Keppel (Ladies Chapter)                 
1390? Chapter of Keppel (Stift Keppel) 1803 Part of Nassau. The abbess had title of Princess-Abbesses (title Reichsäbtissin zu Käppel) from 1588. Protestant 1572-1626, abolished 1626. The Chapter had its foundation renewed in 1650 after the Thirty Years War as a double-confession Chapter, with both catholic and protestant ladies of the chapter [Orden der Prämonstratenserinnen]

 12... Kuniguidis I

12... Elisabeth I

12... Aleidis

13... Gertrud I

1378-81 Adelheid von Nassau-Dillenburg
Daughter of Otto II von Nassau in Siegen and Dillenburg and Adelheid von Vianden.

13... Lucardis

13... Gertrud II von Haiger

14... N. von Westerburg

14... Katharina von Holdinghausen

14... Elisabeth II von Hilchenbach

14... Elisabeth III von Haiger

14... Kunigunde II von Lünen

14... Elsa Kolbe von Wilnsdorf

14... Sibilla von der Bruch

14... Elisabeth IV Rode von Wilnsdorf

14... Elisabeth V von der Hees

15... Anna I von Schellenberg

15... Elisabeth VI von Selbach-Lohe

15... Anna II von Nassau

Before 1626 and 1650-54 Maria von Effern, genant Hall
The convent had been protestant since 1572 and but as a result of the counter-reformation initiated by Johann VIII VIII von Nassau  (1623-1638), the Chapter was abolished 1626 and transferred to the Jesuits. She manages to have the convent restored as a double-convent with both Protestant and Catholic ladies of the chapter (Stiftfrauen). Until it's secularisation in 1806 the post of Abbesses alternated between the two denominations.

1626-? Sophie Margarete von Nassau

Until 1650 Ernestine Claudia M.F. von Nassau

1654-59 Johannetta Stephana von der Hees
A Catholic, she resigned in order to enter into marriage.

1659-63 Eleonora Theodora Vogtin von Elspe
A Protestant, she resigned to enter into a marriage.

1663-85 Johanna Maria von Holdinghausen
She joined the Chapter in 1655, and 11 years later she became Catholic.

1685-91 Agathe Juliane von Steprodt
A protestant she succeeded the Catholic  Johanna Maria von Holdinghausen.

1692-1717 Anna Elisabeth von der Hees                              
A Catholic, she succeeded the Protestant Agathe Juliane von Steprodt.

1717-48 Sophie Charlotte von Bottlenberg gen. Kessel
A Protestant, she succeeded the Catholic Anna Elisabeth von der Hees. A successor was not elected until 1753 because of disputes between the Catholic and Protestant parties after the succession of a new "lord-protector" (Schirmherr) of the Chapter, the Catholic Fürst Wilhelm Hyacinth of Nassau-Siegen.    
                      
1748-53 Vacant  
                                                     
1753-79 Johanna Dorothea Helene Margarethe Katharina von Syberg zu Schwerte, Hees und Sümmern
Also known as von Syberg, Freie aus der Hees, Sümmern und Schwerte, she was a Catholic, and joined the Chapter in 1718 and succeeded the Protestant Sophie Charlotte v. Bottlenberg gen. Kessel.

1780-1806 Marianne Wilhelmine Luise von Donop
A Protestant, she succeeded the Catholic Johanna Dorothea von Syberg.

1808 Isabelle de Meslé
A Catholic, she was appointed as Abbess by Joachim Murat, brother-in-law of Napoleon I, but never inagurated. She lived in the Chapter until it was abolished in 1812. The Marquise de Meslé lived (1761-1820).            

                                           
1871-99 Stiftoberin Nanny von Monbart
One of the pubils during her term in office was Marie Torhorst (1888-1989), who was Minister of People's Education in Thüringen 1947-50.

1899-1921 Anna von Ciriacy-Wantrup

1921-27 Anna Engels

1927-34 Cornelia van Senden

1934-41 Anna Solberg

1941-45 Frau Ballowitz

1945 Dr. Löffler

1945-48 Annemarie Schaefer

1948-66 Juliane Freiin von Bredow

1966-88 Dr. Waltraud Giesekus

1988-2007 Renate Shimada

2007- Sibylle Schwarz

Ecclesiastical Territory of Kraichgau - Kayserliche Reichsfreye Adeliche Creichgauerischen Fräulein-Stifft (Kaiserliche Reichsfreie Adeliche Kraichgauer Fräulein-Stift) and later Kraichgauer Adeliges Damenstift
The chapter was founded by Amalia Elisabeth won Mentzingen, geb. von Bettendorf, from the inheritance from her parents for Evangelical unmarried ladied from the Ritterkanton Kraichgau (Knights Canton) in Baden, and in 1725 it was granted the status it was granted "reichsfreiheit" incorporated into the Knight's Canton of Kraichgau, but placed under the direct authority of the Holy Roman Emperor and the Imperial Diet, without any intermediary liege lord, and had the right to collect taxes and tolls themselves, and held juridical rights. De facto imperial immediacy corresponded to a semi-independence with a far-reaching autonomy. When the Canton was abolished in 1806, a Family Council consisting of members of the former Canton took over the administration. It still supports "Evangelical noble ladies in need"

1721-38 Rosina Susanna Catharina Philippina Freiin von Venningen
Took over the management of the Chapter in 1718, was inagurated as Abbess in 1721 and got the status of "reigning abbess" or princess-abbess 4 years later.

1738-70 Dorothea Sybilla Freiin von Mentzingen
Member of an old local noble family, which held high administrative and ecclesiastical offices throughout the centuries.

1770-75 vacancy

1775-1802 Sophie Friederike Freiin von Holle

1802-16 Auguste Elisabeth Freiin von Seckendorff
Member of an old local noble family, which held high administrative and ecclesiastical offices throughout the centuries.

1816-23 Christine Juliana Freiin von Gemmingen

1823-44 Klara Henriette Freiin von Seckendorff

1844-56 Karoline Freiin von Degenfeld

1856-59 Jeanette Freiin von Neubronn

1859-91 Marie Freiin v. Mentzingen
(d. 1901)

1901-13 Oktavia von Stein-Nordheim

1913-47 Johanna Karolina Augusta Freiin Wolfskeel von Reichenberg

1948-51 Emma Freiin von Racknitz

1951-81 Elfriede Freiin von Hügel

1981-1994 Marianne Gräfin Zedtwitz

1994- Gabriele Freifrau von Gemmingen-Guttenberg

Ecclesiastical Territory of Niedermünster in Regensburg (Reichsstift Niedermünster in Regensburg - Chapter of the Realm) (In Bavaria)
Chapter founded ca 900, and in 1002 it was placed directly under the king as the other states in Germany, it was granted royal protection and, immunity. In 1494 the abbess was granted a vote in the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Holy Roman Diet (Reichstag), where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat) and from 1495 member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Lords Spiritual) of the Bayrischer Kreis (Bavarian Circle), 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm and as such member of the. The state was secularized in 1803 and became part of Bavaria/Bayern in 1805 

900-28 Wildrud von Leonberg 
Also known as Wildrade von Lernberg    

928-42 Tutta I von Reidenburg                    

942-70 Himetrade von Hohenburg     

970-76 Judith von Bayern
Might have been in office until 990.

976-990 Wichbirgis von Wasserburg

990-96 Richenza von Limburg

994-1003 Kunigunde I von Kirchberg

1003-25 Uta I von Kirchberg
Also known as Ude or Uda, she is considered to be the most important Lady in the history of Niedermünster and she gave the monks in the neighbouring St. Emmeram the taks of making an expencieve Evangelistar, altar-book, wich still exists. During her reign the Convent was placed directly under the king of Germany.

1025-52 Heilka I von Rothenburg

1052-64 Gertrud I von Hals

1064-70 Mathilde I von Luppurg (Lupburg)

1070-89 Eilika II von Northeim
Heilka was daughter of Count Otto von Northeim and Richenza von Schwaben
In a list by Paricius a Heylca, Duchesss of Franken, is named as Abbess, who is identified as identical with Eilika.

1089-1103 Uda II von Marburg

1103-09 Richenza II von Zolling        

1109-16 Mathilde II von Kirchberg  

1116-26 Richenza III von Abensberg   

1126-30 Richenza IV von Dornburg

1130-36 Heilka III von Kirchberg

1136-77 Kunigunde II von Kirchberg

1177-80 Tutta II von Falkenstein 

1180-1190 Adelheid I von Wolffershausen

1190-97 Bertha von Frontenhausen

1197-1218 Heilka IV von Rotheneck

1218-24 Heilka V von Wittelsbach

1224-29 Frideruna von Falkenstein
Fritaun.

1229-39 Mathilde III von Henffenfeld

1239-42 Tutta III von Dalmässing

1242-43 Irmgard I von Scheyern

1243-49 Hildegard von Kirchberg

1249-57 Kunigunde III von Stain

1257-59 Kühnheit Pinzingerin    

1259-61 and 1271-73 Wilburg von Lobsingen

1261-62 Tutta IV von Putingen

1262-73 Gertrud II von Stein                   

1273-76 Elisabeth I Stauffin von Stauffenburg

1276-85 Hedwig Kropflin                 

1285-1300 Kunigunde IV Hainkhover
Another version of her surname is Hainkoverin

1300-04 Adelheid II von Treidenberg               

1304-14 Irmgard II von Köfering                   

1314-33 Euphemia von Winzer          

1333-40 Elisabeth II von Eschen                

1340-57 Petrissa von Weidenberg              

1357-61 Margarethe I Gösslin von Altenburg

1361-65 Margaretha II Punzinger 
She was member of a Bavarian noble family who lived in and around Regensburg. Perhaps her surname was Pinzingerin and in that case she was the second of her family to be head of the chapter and territory.    

1365-91 Elisabeth III zu Rhein (von Rain)

1391-1410 Sophia von Daching

1410-13 Katharina I von Egloffstein                

1413-17 Barbara I Höffer 
Also known as Höfferin. In 1416 she and her convent appointed the Provsosty of the Chapter to Heinrich V. Notthafft v. Wernberg as fief for life from Georg v. Abensberg.

1417-22 Herzenleid von Wildenwarth           

1417-27 Coadiutrix Cordula von Wildenwarth

1422-27 Anna I von Streitberg              

1427 Beatrix von Rotheneck                  

1427-44 Acting Reigning Abbess Coadiutrix Osanna von Streitberg               

1444-48 Ursula von Tauffkirchen-Hohenrain und Höchlenbach

1448-68 Ottilia von Abensberg      

1469-75 Acting Reigning Abbess Coadiutrix Margarethe III von Paulstorff

1475-1520 Agnes von Notthafft   
Appointed Princess of the Empire in 1494. She was daughter of Count Albrecht von Notthafft von Wernberg (1422-68), and lived (before 1440-1580).

1520-69 Barbara II von Aham           

1569-98 Anna II von Kirmbreith           

1598-1605 Katharina II Scheiffl
Also known as Scheifflin

1605-16 Eva von Uhrhausen        

1616-52 Anna Maria von Salis          

1652-75 Maria Margarethe von Sigertshofen    

1675-93 Maria Theresia von Muggenthal         

1693-97 Regina Recordin von Rein und Hamberg       

1697-1723 Johanna Franziska Sibylla von Muggenthal 

1723-57 Maria Katharina Helena von Aham auf Neuhaus

1757-68 Maria Anna Katharina von Dücker-Hasslen-Urstein-Winkel

1769-89 Maria Anna Febronia Elisabeth Speth von Zwyfalten
Also known as von Speth-Zwyfalten

1789-93 Maria Franzisca Xaveria von Königfeld  

1793-1801 Maria Violanta von Lerchenfeld-Premberg  

1801-03 Maria Helene von Freien-Seiboltsdorf
Also known as von Freyen-Seyboltsdorf 
 

O

Ecclesiastical State of Obermünster in Regensburg (Reichsunmittelbaren adeligen Damenstift Obermünster - The Free Noble Ladies Chapter) (In Bavaria)
The Abbey was founded ca 833 as an immediate realm from the start. 1219 the chapter came under direct Papal protection and in 1315 Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian appointed the Abbess as Princess of the Realm. Heinrich II granted the convent immunity and during Konrad II, the Fürstäbtissin even received a royal cepter. 1484 it was turned into a Chapter for Noble Ladies, such member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench. (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat). The Princess-Abbess also sat on the Bavarian Landtag and from 1495/1500 member of the Geistlischen Fürstenbank (Lords Spiritual) of the Bayrischer Kreis (Bavarian Circle), 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm. The state was secularised in 1803 and became a part of Bavaria in 1815. The territory  included the Hofmarks (Seigneurities) of Obertraublingen and Oberröhrenbac, the Provosties of Tegenheim, Sallbach, Mettenbach, Langenpreising, Grosshausen and Ottmaring and a member of farms all over Bavaria and circa 100 in the surroundings of Regensburg and also owned a substantial number of houses within the city.

Circa 900/95 Mathilde

....Irmgard       

....Salome     

1020-29 Wilpurgis 
Also knowna Wikpurg.                     

1052-89 Willa 

1089-? Hazecha 

1117-? Hadamuda 

1142-77 Hadwiga

1193-? Euphemia von Helfenstein

1216-? Gertrud I 

1259-? Jutta

1265-? Gertrud II

1272-? Wilburgis von Leuchtenberg
Member of the family of Landgraves of Leuchtenberg within Bavaria.

1286-92 Ryssa I von Leuhtenberg 
Possibly also known as Rytza I.

.......

1299-? Ryssa II von Dornberg 
Perhaps also known as Rytza II.

Until 1325 Bertha Walterin 

13?? Adelheid von Arenbach

13?? Katharina I von Murach

Until 1374 Agnes I von Wunebach                      

1374-1400 Elisabeth I von Parsberg

1400-02 Elisabeth II von Murach

Until 1435 Margarethe I Sattelbogerin    

1435-56 Barbara I von Absberg 

1456-79 Kunigunde von Egloffstein 

1479-1500 Sibylla von Paulsdorff 

1500-? Agnes II von Paulsdorff 

1533-36 Katharina II von Redwitz 

1536-42 Wandula von Schaumberg

Until 1564 Barbara II von Sandizell  

1564-79 Barbara III Ratzin 

1579-94 Magdalena von Gleissenthal 

1594-1608 Margarethe II Mufflin 

1608-49 Katharina Praxedis von Perckhausen

1649-83 Maria Elisabeth von Salis 

1683-1719 Maria Theresia von Sandizell 

1719-65 Anna Magdalena-Franzisca von Dondorff 

1765-75 Maria Franzisca von Freudenberg 

1775-1803 Maria Josepha von Neuenstein-Hubacker

Ecclesiastical Territory of Quedlinburg (Reichsäbtissin zu Quedlinburg - Abbess of the Realm) (Das kaierlich freie weltliche Reichsstift Quedlinburg - The Imperial Free Worldly Chapter of the Realm) (In Sachsen-Anhalt)
Abbey founded 931, and the Abbesses held the rank of Princesses of Empire almost from the beginning. From 1495 member of the Upper Saxon Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly, which was not devided into benches unlike the other Circles, 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm and as such she was member of the College of the Prelates of the Rhine, whose 17 members (Princess-Abbesses and Prince-Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench (Geistliche Bank der Reichsfürstenrat), and in 1792 she was represented in the Imperial Diet via the College.The state was secularised in 1801 and became a part of Preussen in 1803

Protestant from 1541

The territory was about 113 square kilometres and included the Village of Ditfurt and ad around 12.000 inhabitants when it was abolished.

Until 1161 the list of Abbesses is not 100% certain - a number of versions exist.

Around 937 Diemot    

936-66 "Regent" Queen Mathilda
She had been given the territory as her dowry by her husband, Emperor Heinrich I, she also founded and headed the Convents of Winithusen, Nordhausen, Richeberg and Pölden. In 966 she asked her son, Otto I, to appoint her granndaughter, Mathilde as Abbess of the Chapter, which had been granted freedom of the Realm and Imperial Protection. (d. 968)

966-99 Mathilde I von Sachsen
Daughter of Emperor Otto I She was regent of the Holy Roman Empire for brother, Otto II and Metropolitana of Quedlinburg and Matrixcia of Sachen. She lived (955-999)

999-1045 Adelheid I von Sachsen 
She was daughter of Emperor Otto II and Thepophano. Also Abbess of Gernrode, Gandersheim and Essen. Her sisters were also Abbesses: Sophia von Gandersheim, Ida von Sankt Marias Köln, Hedwig von Neuss, Theophano of Nevilles and Mathilda von Villach und Didenkirchen. Adelheid lived (977-1045)

1045-62 Beatrix I
Daughter of Emperor Heinrich III and Gunhild. Also Abbess of Gandersheim. She lived (1038-62)

1062-95 Adelheid II von Franken
Succeded halfsister (her mother was Empress Agnes). Also Abess of Gandersheim. She lived (1048-92)

1095-1103 Eilika
Her background is not known. The source of her tenure is an incription on a coin.

1106-26 Agnes I of Poland
Daughter of Duke Wladislaw of Polen and Judith - daughter of Heinrich III

1134-37 Gerburg
She was Countess of Kappenberg. (d. 1137)   

1138-60 Beatrix II von Winzenburg
Daughter of Count Herman I von W. and Countess Hedwig. (d. 1160)

1160-61 Meregart                

1161-84 Adelheid III, Pfalzgräfin von Sachsen-Sommerschenburg. 
Daughter of Pfalzgraf Friedrich V and Luitgard. Also Abbess of Gandersheim.(d. 1184)

1184-1203 Agnes II von Ostmark und Meissen
She was daughter of Margrave Konrad I and Luitgard. She lived (before 1145-1203) 

1203-24 Sophia von Brehna  
Daughter of Margrave Friedrich and Hedwig and lived (1182-1226)

1224-30 Bertradis I von Krosigk   

1230-31 Kunigunde von Kranichfield 

1231-33 Osterlindis von Falkenstein 

1233-70 Gertrud von Ampfurth
Possibly daughter of Edlen Werner von Ampfurth. 

1270-1308 Bertradis II    
Possibly daughter of the Count of Barby. (d. 1308)

1308-47 Jutta von Kranichfeld  
Daughter of Count Volrad VIII von K. and Countess Mechtild von Blankenburg. Lived (circa 1285-1347)

1347-53 Ludgard von Stolberg  
Daughter of Count Heinrich and Countess Jutta von Hadmersleben. (d. 1353)

1354-62 Agnes III von Schrapelau  
Daughter of Edlen (the noble) Buchard von Schrapelau and Luitgard Gans von Wittenberge und Pereberg. Resigned in 1362, died two years later.

1362-75 Elisabeth I von Hackeborn
Daughter of Edlen Albrecht von H. and Countess Richza von Scharpelau. (d. 1375)

1377-79 Margarete von Schrapelau  
Sister of Agnes III. (d. 1379)

1380-1405 Irmgard II von Kirchberg   
Daughter of Burggraf Albrecht von K. and Countess Elisabeth von Orlamünde. She lived (1350-1405)

1405-35 Adelheid IV von Isenburg   
Daughter of Count Heinrich and Countess Adelheid von Isenburg. Resigned in 1435. (d. 1441)

1435-58 Anna I von Plauen-Reuss
Daughter of Count Heinrich IX and Countess Anna. (d. 1458)

1458-1511 Hedwig von Sachsen 
Daughter of Kurfürst Friedrich II and Erzherzogin Margarete von Österreich. She lived (1504-74)

1511-15 Magdalena von Anhalt  
Daughter of Fürst Albrecht IV and Countess Elisabeth von Mansfeld. She probably resigned and died later the same year. 

1515-74 Anna II von Stolberg  
Daugther of Botho III and Countess Anna von Eppenstein. Lived (1504-74)

1574-84 Elisabeth II zu Regenstein
Daughter of Count Ulrich VI and Countess Magdalena von Stolberg.

1584-1601 Anna III von Stolberg  
Daughter of Heinrich the Older and Countess Elisabeth von Gleichen. She lived (1565-1601)

1601-10 Maria von Sachsen-Weimar
Daughter of Duke Johann Wilhelm and Dorothea Susanna von Simmern, Pfalzgräfin bei Rhein . Maria lived (1571-1610).

1610-17 Dorothea von Sachsen
Daughter of Kürfürst Christian I and Markgräfin Sophia von Brandenburg. She lived (1591-1617)

1618-45 Dorothea Sophia von Sachsen
Daughter of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm and Duchess Sophia von Württemberg. She lived (1587-1645)

Until 1623 Dechaness Anna von Stolberg-Wernigerode
Daughter of Wolfgang Graf zu Stolberg und Wernigerode and Genovefa Gräfin zu Wied and niece of Abbess Anna II von Stolberg. She lived (1550-1623).

1645-80 Anna Sophia I von der Pfalz-Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld   
Daughter of Pfalzgraf Georg Wilhelm and Gräfin Dorothea von Solms-Sonnenwalde. She lived (1619-80)

1680 Anna Sophia II von Hessen-Darmstadt

1683-84 Anna-Sophia III von Sachsen-Weimar
Daughter of Duke Johan Ernst and Duchess Christine Elisabeth von Holstein-Sønderborg. She lived (1657-1704)

1684-1704 Anna Dorothea von Sachsen-Weimar

1704-18 Acting Head Pröbstin Marie Aurora Gräfin von Königsmarck
As Provost she managed the affairs of the Abbey from 1704. Daughter of General Konrad Christoph von Königsmarck and Fürstin Maria Christina von Wrangel. She was the mistress of Elector Friedrich August I. She lived (1662-1728) 

Until 1704 Kojudatorin Magdalena Sibylla von Sachsen-Weissenfels
She resigned to marry the Duke of Sachsen-Eisenach.

Around 1704 Dechaness Eleonora Sophie von Schwarzenburg

1718-55 Maria-Elisabeth von Holstein-Gottorp
Daughter of Duke Christian Albrecht and Princess Frederikke Amalie of Denmark. She lived (1678-1755) 

1728-64 Pröpstin Hedwig Sophie Auguste von Holstein-Gottorp
Princess-Abbess of Herford 1750-64. She lived (1705- 1764).

1755-87 Anna-Amalia von Preußen   
Daughter of Wilhelm I and Princess Sophie von Hannover. She was sister of Friedrich the Great. She lived (1723-87)

Around 1755 Dechaness Sophie Louise Christine von Holstein-Plön
All the positions of canonesses were vacant and she was the only one to acctually reside in Quedlinburg.

1767-87 Kojudatorix Sophia-Albertina of Sweden 
1787-1803 Princess-Abbess
Daughter of King Adolf-Frederik of Sweden and Luise Ulrike von Preußen. She lived (1753-1829)

1776-92 Dechaness Auguste Dorothea zu Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel 
1792-1802 Pröpstin
She was Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim 1778-1802

1787-91 Pröbstin Friederikke Charlotte Ulrike von Preussen
Resigned to marry Prince Frederick of Great Britain and Hannover, Duke of York, Bishop of Osnabrück

1799-1802 Dechaness Catherine Amalie Christiane Louise von Baden
Daughter of Hereditary Prince Karl Ludwig

R

Chapter of Rellinghausen/Stift Rellinghausen (Kaiserlich-freiweltliches-Reichsstift - Imperial Free Worldly Chapter of the Realm) (Herrlichkeit Rellinghausen)
The chapter was founded in and in the beginning the Princess-Abbess of Essen it's Abbess, whose authority was exercised by the Dechaness. In 1288 the chapter was confirmed as an Imperial Worldly Chapter of the Realm (Kaiserlich- freiweltliches-Reichsstift) and a Lordship came into existance (Herrlichkeit Rellinghausen). It was granted the right of lower court, jointly with the Stewart (Vogt) of the Chapter, the Count of Limburg. From then off the Chapter elected their own Dechaness, who might be a lady from Essen (often the second-in-command, the Pröbstin of Essen), but never it's Abbess. In 1661 the Imperial Court (Reichskammergerichtes) returned the chapter under the guardianship of Essen as it had become more and more financially weak, but did keep certain rights.

...........

1567 Before Dechaness Sophie von Staël-Holstein
Mentioned that the former Dechantin dies of the plague. (d. 1567).

..........

Ecclesiastical Territory of Rottenmünster (Rotenmünster/Rothenmünster) (Zisterzienserinnen-Reichsabtei Rottenmünster - Chapter of the Realm) (In Baden-Württemberg)
The abbey was founded 1126, granted reichsunmittelbarkeit (became an Imperial Immediacy) 1237, the Abbess was appointed Princess of the Realm (Reichsäbtissin or Fürstäbtissin) 1442. After the Holy Roman Empire was devided into 6 administrative units, called Imperial Circles or Reichskreisen in 1495, in she became member of the Bench of Prelates of the Swabian Circle Estate (Reichskreisstandschaft), the regional assembly of the Schwäbischer Kreis. 1521 mentioned as Imperial Prelate in an inventory of the Reichsstände - the territories of the Realm - which meant that she was member of the College of the Prelates of Swabia, whose 22 members (Abbesses and Abbots) had a joint vote in the Council of the Princes of the Imperial Diet, where the representative of the Prelates sat on the Ecclesiastical Bench, . The abbey was destroyed by French troops in 1643 and rebuild 1662-69. The state was secularized and became a part of Württemberg in 1803. (Die Äbtissin von Rottenmünster war Landesherrin über das Kloster mit seinem ganzen Besitztum. Sie hatte dort die höchste landesherrliche Gewalt inne; sie durfte die niedere und höhere Gerichtsbarkeit in ihrem Gebiet ausüben. Außerdem hatte sie das Recht, Steuern einzuziehen und Zölle zu erheben, sowie das Recht der freien Pürsch auf ihrem Gebiet. Rottenmünster blieb bis zum Ende des alten Reiches reichsunmittelbares Stift, die Äbtissin war Mitglied des Reichstages, und hatte Sitz und Stimme im schwäbischen Kreistag. Als dessen Mitglied musste sie Soldaten stellen: gewöhnlich ein Pferd und vier Mann zu Fuß. Zu Kriegszeiten erhöhte sich diese Zahl bis auf 30 Mann)

Only fragments of the list of Abbesses are known

1237   Ida

1290    Adelheid von Grieningen

1328    Katharina von Triberg

1343    Adelheid Diepolt

1351    Anna Boller

1388    Katharina Gieringer

1419    Brigitta Kopp

1436    Elisabeth von Rothenstein

Until 1475 Beatrix von Enzberg

.............

1657-87 Ursula Scherlin
In the years 1661-69 rebuild the buildings of the chapter after the Thirty Years War, and the ladies of the chapter returned from their exiles in Switzerland or elsewhere in Germany.

1687-1725 Maria Williburg h
She rebuild the main building of the chapter.

.........

1796-1803 Maria Juliana Maier

Ecclesiastical Territory of Säckingen (Seggingen or Seckingen) (Damenstift Säckingen - Ladies Chapter)) (In Baden-Württemberg)
According to "Manuel d'Histoire, de Généalogie et de Chronologie de tous les Etats du Globe - 1888 - 1893", published arrund 1900 by A.M.H.J. Stokvis, the Abbey was founded before 540 and the Abbesses became Princesses of Empire in 1307, but according to other sources the Abbess was not raised to the position of Princess of the Realm until 1526. The Ladies of the Chapter first belonged to the higher class of noble civil servants (dienstadel) and later the were recruited from the lower class of noble civil servants. The chapter was secularized and part of Baden in 1803. Today the Church of the Chapter is known as the Stiftskirche des Fridolinsmünsters

870-77 Bertha I              

878-93 Richardis    
She was the wife of Emperor Karl III and she also received the Convent of Fraumünster in Zürich.        

893-? Kunigunde I  
.....
1029-? Bertha II           
.......

1128-? Gutta                  

Until 1140 N.N

1140/around 1173 Countess von Homberg      

Before 1150 Duchess von Schwaben

1180-? N.N.von Fontenoy
Also known as Fointine, Vonteneig, she was member of a Burgundian family.

Around 1207 N.N. von Venningen
The disupte between the Abbess and the Stewart of the Abbey, Rudolph II von Habsburg over the Lordship of Laufenburg was settled. Rudolph's father, Albrecht III had received the Imperial Guardianship of the Abbey from Emperor Friedderich Barbarossa after the line of the last stewarts, the Counts of Lenzburg, had died out.

1220-? Elisabeth I  

1240-? Willibergis       

1253-73/76 Anna I von Pfirt
Possibly reigned until 1273 or 76. The sources name an Abbess Anna, who could be either her or her successor. She was daughter of Richard von Glères and Marguerite von Pfirt, the sister of Count Ulrich II von Pfirt and Bishop Berthold of Basel.

1276/85-1306 Anna II von Wessenberg 
The sourcess are not clear when Anna I was succeeded by Anna II, but she has been identified from 1285. Also Abbess of Masmünster and Remiremont from 1287. Gave the fief of Glarus to Duke Albrecht and Rudolf von Habsburg, sons of King Rudolf I, in 1288 and a number of estats to Mr. Beuggen.

1306-16 Elisabeth II von Bussnang
She defended her rights against the citizen of Laufenburg in the Court of the City. And in 1316 she renewed the rights of the City of Säckingen.

1318-26 Adelheid von Ulingen

1328-30 Princess-Abbess Jonatha von Danmartin
Since she had not been elected with a clear majority, she was unable to inforce her authority over the chapter and Bishpop Rudolf von Montfort of Konstantz persuaded her to resign and withdrew the rigtht of free election from the chapter and appointed Agnes von Brandis as er successor.

1330-50 Agnes I von Brandis 

1350-56 Anna III von Thulen 
The territory suffered from the freedomfight of the Swiss against Habsburg-Austria and the Abbess sold the cities of Säckingen and Laufenburg as fiefs to the Duke of Austria, and thereby they came totally under the influence of the Habsburgs.

1356-79 Margarethe I von Grünenberg 

1379/80-1422 Princess-Abbess Klaranna von Hohenklingen 
The territory suffered from the freedom fight of the Swiss against Habsburg-Austria and in 1409 the she granted the cities of Säckingen and Laufenburg as fiefs to the Duke of Austria, and thereby they came totally under the influence of the Habsburgs, but 1417 she had King Sigisumd confirm the rights and liberties of the chapter. She was daughter of Freiherr Walter von der Hohenklingen, Lord zu Stein and Countess Kunigunde von Fürstenberg, and her sister Anastasia was Princess-Abbess of the Fraumünster 1412-29.

1422 Margarethe II von Bussnang  

1422-28 Johanna von Hohenklingen
Sister of Klaranna.

1428-30 Margarethe II von Klingen/Altenklingen

1430-32 Anastasia von Geroldseck   

1432-84 Agnes II von Sultz   
In 1445 the city of Säckingen was occupied by the troops of Basel in the continued fights of the Swiss against the Habsburgs.

1484-1508 Elisabeth III von Falkenstein

1508-34 Anna IV von Falkenstein 

1534-43 Kunigunde II von Geroldseck 

1543-49 Magdalena von Hausen     
The first protestant ruler of the territory.

1550-71 Agatha Hegenzer von Wasserstelz
She reformed the Chapter and brought it back on its feet economically, and she restored the church. The watersupply was reneved and several treaties were made between the Chapter and the city of Säckingen.

1571-1600 Anna-Jakobäa von Sultzbach 

1600-14 Ursula Giel von Gielsberg

1615-21 Princess-Abbess Maria Brümsi von Herblingen 
The City of Bad Säckingen was occupied several times during the Thirty Years War. She was daughter of Johann Kaspar Brümsi and Anna von Roppach.

1621-58 Agnes III von Greuth     
The first Swedish Troops occupied the territory during the Thirty Year War, they were soon driven out but in 1638 they came back, and the various cities, including Laufenburg was plundered and heavely taxed. After the Swedes followed the Imperial troops and on top of that the plague. The war lasted until 1650 and Agnes III had escaped into exile in Baden.

1658-72 Francisca von Schauenburg 
Her reign was a period of rebuilding after the devestations of the Thirty Year War.

1672-93 Maria Cleopha Schenkin von Castell 
During the Dutch war in 1678 Säckingen was looted by French troops and a large part of the city burned down, including the church. Ten years later the territory was again attacked during the War of the Pfalz (Pfälzischen Krieg).

1693-1718 Maria Regina von Ostein 
The territory was marked by the War of the Spanish Succession in the beginning of the 18th Century and it was heavily taxed.

1718-30 Maria Barbara von Liebenfels 

1730-34 Maria-Magdalena von Hallwyl 
The city was occupation by French Troops during the Polish Succession War 1733-35.

1734-53 Maria Josepha Regina von Liebenfels 
The territory was raided during riots in 1741, the socalled "Salpetererunruhen auf dem Hotzenwald" The church with had been rebuild in Baroque Style in 1740 burned down again already in 1751.

1753-55 Maria Helena Francisca von Roggenbach
Her reign was marked by the restauration of the church after it burned down in 1751.

1755-1806 Maria Anna von Hornstein-Göffingen 
It was not until 1787 the that Mayor of Laufenburg also gained the Stewardship and full command of the city when he aquired the office of Schultheiss. The chapter was secularized in 1806 and its possesions went to the Duke of Baden.

1793-1806 Administrator Coadjutrix Johanna Caroline von Oettingen-Spielberg
Because of the advanced age of Fürstäbtissin Maria Anna von Hornstein-Göffingen, she was elected as Koadjutorin der Äbtissin and confirmed by the Austrian government and took over the administration during the last years of the existance of the chapter. She was daughter of Anton Ernst von Oettingen-Spielberg and Maria Thereia Walpurga von Waldbrg zu Trauchburg and lived (1728).




Ecclesiastical Territory Söflingen (bei Ulm) (In Baden-Württemberg)
To the territory belonged the villages of Söflingen, Harthausen with Ehrenstein and Schaffelkingen, Parts of Bettingen, Burlafingen and Eckingen as well as a number of estates and farms and places with a total of about 4.00 inhabitants. in 1773 the Chapter exchanged its ownership of Mähringen, Lehr, Jungingen, Breitingen, Holzkirch, Lonsee, Langenau, Weidenstetten, Söglingen and Bermaringen in exchange for the exemption of protection (Schutz- und Schirmherrschaft) by the City of Ulm and thereby the chapter became an immediate state and the Abbess got seat and vote in the Imperial Circle of Swabia and Imperial Diet (Kreis- and Reichstagen) and she was Reichsprelätin or Prelate of the Realm and the chapter was mentioned as a member of the Swabian Bank of Prelates in 1792 and 1803 it became part of Bayern and 1810 part of Württemberg.

 ...........

Around 1482 Cristina Strönlerin
She freed Ulrich Müller von Falhan (Fahlheim) from the serfdom.

..............

Around 1567 Regina von Rorpach zu Edelstetten
In a preserved document she confirms that Hanns Frick zu Hirschfelden and his wife, Barbara, sells their hause and farm in Osterfahlheim

...........

Around 1597-1603-?  Anna Starin von Osternach
Various administrative documents from her term in office have been preserved.

.....

1716-39 Anna-Maria Cleopha Hunger  
Member of an influential Patricier Family with many artists and politicians. Her father, Johann Michael, was a painter. She lived (1674-1739)

"Damenstift St. Jörgen zu Isny"
This Chapter is mentioned in an inventory of Prelates of the Realm, but it never existed and is confused with the male chapter of St. Georg zu Isny.

Kloster Wald
From around 1240 The chapter was in charge of the Offices of Wald, Vernhof and Ennigerloh and held overlordship, lower judridstction in the villages of Wald, Buffenhofen, Burrau, Dietershofen, Gaisweiler, Hippetsweiler, Kappel, Litzelbach, Otterswang, Reischach, Riedetsweiler, Ringgenbach, Rothenlachen, Steckeln, Walbertsweiler und Weihwang by the Bodenzee Lake and outside it's acctual territories of Igelswies, Ruhestetten und Tautenbronn (im Jahre 1420 von Pfullendorfer Bürgern gekauft). Also Owned vineries in Wald Aufkirch, Goldbach, Sipplingen und Bermatingen, am Untersee auf der Insel Reichenau and in Allensbach.

....Katharina von Hornstein
Sources mention her, but not when she reigned.

After 1212-29 Judinta von Weckenstein
The sister of the first Prioress of Wald, Ida (Priorin von Wald). Their brother, Burchard von Weckenstein was the founder of the chapter.

1249 Margaretha


1257-64 Bertha de Augea

1266 Hadwig

1270-72 Ita Truchsessin von Waldburg zu Rohrdorf (or Messkirch)
Possibl Great-aunt of Agathe Truchsessin von Meßkirch.

1273/74 Hedwig
Could be the same as Hadwig.

1375 Ute

1278-79 Hedwig von Gutenstein

Before 1283- Mathilde von Hohenberg
Daughter of Burchard III von Hohenberg and Mechtild zu Pfalz-Thübingen and sister of Anna (or Gertrud) von Hohenberg, the wife of Rudolf von Habsburg.

1290 Anna von Veringen
Could be identical with the Abbess of the same name, that is mentioned 1311-20.

1296-1303 Elisabeth von Hohenfels
If she was indeed a member of the Hohenfels-family, her father was Grosswin von Hohenfels, who worked for Rudolf von Habsburg.

1307-11 Mechtild von Hasenstein
Resigned from the post. Owned 2 estates together with her daughters Anna and Ita, who was canonisses in the chapter.

1311-39 Anna von Veringen
Probably daughter of Count Heinrich von Veringen-Hettingen and perhaps a Countess von Sutz.

1322-23 Adellint
It is not known if she is identical with the in 1313 mnrionws nun, Adelling Zimlich or with Ädellint, who is mentioned in 1355.

1323-29 Mechtild von Digisheim
Member of a noble family, which started out as civil servants at one of the courts (Ministerialadel)

1334 Adelheid von Balgheim
Also of "Ministrial Nobility"

1335 Ädellint
Could be identical with Adellint, mentioned in 1322.

1339 Katharina die Schereberin
Her sister Agatha and her relative Helena von Hinwill were nuns in the chapter.

1344-47 Agatha Truchsessin von Messkirch

1350 Gerhild von Krenkingen

1356-57 Judenta von Hohenfels

1359-62 Elisabeth von Reischach

1368-69 Judel

1383-94 Elisabeth von Hornstein

1388-93 and 1395-97 Katharina von Heudorf

1398-1416 .....von Reischach

1418-21 ..... von Schwandorf

1425-38 Margarethe von Reischach

1441-52 Barbara von Reischach

1553 Elisabeth Selnhofer

1454-64 Elisabeth Rentz

1464-96 Anna von Reischach von Reichenstein-Linz
Reigned (d. 1499)

1498-1504 Barbara von Hausen

1505-before 1557 Anna von Rotenstein zum Falken
Reformed the territory's court system in 1533.

1557 Magdalena von Reischach
Only reigned for a very breef period.

1557-68 ..... Reischach von Hohenstofffeln

1568-92 Margarethe von Goeberg
The General of the Order of the Cisterciensers (Ordensgeneral) visited the chapter in 1573.

1592-1600 Agnes Reiff genannt Walter von Blidegg

1600-36 Margarethe von Werdenstein
Mentioned as Kustorin 1597, reformed the chapter 1607 and in 1632 the canonisses escaped to Konstanz, Überlingen and Pfullendorf. She lived (1557-1638).

1636-41 Gertrud Giel von Gielsberg
The whole complex was almost totally destroyed during the 30 Year War (1618-48). She was daughter of Jörg Christoph Giel von Gielsberg and Anna Katharina von Bernhausen from Swabia.

1641-60 Maria Margarethe Schenk von Castell
Mentioned as Prioress in 1638. It is not known if she received the customary homage by the inhabitants of Wald and the other territories in 1641 or not until 1651 because of the continued warfare. She was daughter of Hans Maz Schenk von Castell zu Gattburg and Eva Blarer von Wartensee zu Wartegg.

1660-81 Maria Salome von Bernhausen
Mentioned as Oberbursiererin in 1639. In 1680 the main building of the chapter burnt down. She was related to a large number of the canonisses and was daughter of Hans Wilhelm von Bernhausen zu Eppishausen und Moos and Margarethe Blarer von Wartensee. She lived (1593-1681).

1681-1709 Maria Jakobe von Bodman
Elected 6 April, confirmed by the Abbot of Salem at 5 August, received the customary homage by the inhabitants 25 January 1700 with participation of the Abbot, and was inagurated 29 June 1701. She rebuild the church of the chapter in baroque style. 2 of her sisters were nuns in Heiligenkreutz and Rottenmünster and her brother Johann Rupert Sigismund was Prince-Abbot of Kempten and another Prior in Hofen. She was related to several canonesses in Wald. She was daughter of Johann Siegmund von Bodman zu Wiechs und Steisslingen.

1709-39 Maria Antonia Constantina Scholastika von Falkenstein
She built the large baroque chapter-complex in the years 1721–27. 5 of her sisters were nuns in Unterlinden in Colmer, 1 in Günterstal and 3 possibly in Alspach beiKeysersberg, her brother, Adalbert became Bishop of Csanád in Hungary, another was a cleric and the last married a former nun in Wald. She was daughter of ...... and Anna Franziska Ursula von Mercy, and lived (1666-1739).

1739-72 Maria Dioskora Maura von Thurn und Valsassina
She lived (1702-72).

1772-99 Maria Edmunda von Kolb
Mentioned as 1758 Kastnerin, and Bursiererin and Oberbursiererin 1768-72. Her brother, who was a Pastr in Dietersofeh, accused her of mis-management and supression of her subects and she was put under temporary administration in 1785. She lived (1734-99). She was daughter of Karl Ferdinand von Kolb and Maria Anna Karrer

1799-1807 Maria Johanna Baptista von Zweyer auf Hoenbach
Had first tried to become a member of the Chapter of Frauenalb but did not have enough funds to pay the fees. Instead she spend a "test year" in Wald and was admitted because of her "special and exceptional abilities. Mentioned as Prioriss 1773-99. The territory was secularied as a result of the Reichsdeputationshauptschluss and became part of the Principality of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, whose ruler, Prince Anton Aloys, made an agreement with the ladies of the chapter that she would recieve a sum of money for the rest of their lives, but they were not allowed to accept more canonesses into the chapter. In 1806 Hohenzollern annexed the Chapter and Office of Wald (Kloster und Amt) and the Offices of Vernhof and Ennigerloh. She was daughter of Freiherr Karl von Zweyer.

1807-51 Maria Josefa von Würz à Rudenz
The chapter wich had been part of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen since 1806 was incorporated into Preusssia in 1848.

V

Noble Chapter of Vreden (Hochgräfflichen Stift  zu Vreden - High Countly Chapter)
Founded in 839, Freedom of the Realm (Reichsunmittelbar) in 1085. Archbishop Konrad of Köln gave half of the city of Vreden to the Bishop Otto of Münster in 1252, the Chapter of Vreden accepted the Lordship and Protection of Bishop of Gerhard of Münster, Abbess Sophie transfered the right of protection (Schutzrecht) and the Court Right outside of the City of Vreden to Bishop Ludwig of Münster in 1316

..........

Around 1024 Adelheid
Daugher of Emperor Otto II and sister of Sophia von Essen, recieves the newly cronwed King Konrad II.

Around 1172-1216 Elisabeth
Also Abbes of Essen and St. Maria im Kapitol (Köln)

1360-after 69 Adelheid von Bentheim
Also known as Alydis van Bentheim

1395-1403 Kunegounde van Meurs

1466-1511 Maria Schenkin zu Erbach
She was daughter of Philipp I, Schenk von Erbach, zu Reichenberg, Kurmainz and Lukardis von Eppenstein-Königstein. Her sister, Genoveva, was  küsterin 1466, and pröpstin of Vreden 1472. (d. after 1514). Maria (d. 1511-).

 1521-34 Margarete von Beichlingen
Also Abbess in Essen.

Until 1579 Ermgart von Kaunitz-Rietberg
Also Abbess of Metelen

Around 1619 Agnes von Limburg-Stirum
Also Abbess of Elten, Freckenhorst and Borghorst

Before 1669-74 Maria Sophie zu Salm-Reifferscheid
Daughter of Count Ernst Friedrich zu Salm-Reifferscheid in Bedburg and Countess Maria Ursula zu Leiningen Her sister, Anna Salome, was sovereign of Essen and another married to the Count of Kaunitz-Rietberg. In 1669 she founded a fond in the "Princely and Imperial Free Chapter of Elten" and the "High Countly" of Vreden in favour of young women of her family in both male and female line. She lived lived (1620-74).

1674-86 Decaness Leopoldine Kaunitz-Rietberg
Married Oswald Grafen von dem Bergh, Markgrafen von Bergen op Zoom, but had no children.. (d. 1718)

1764-89 Maria Waldburga Anna Truchsess von Zeil-Waldburg
Also Abbess in St. Urusla in Köln and Princess-Abbess of Elten from 1784. She had been canoness in Buchau 1757-64 and was daughter of Count Franz Ernst and Eleonora von Köpnigsegg-Rothensfels and lived (1730-89).

1790-96 Josepha Maria zu Salm-Reifferscheid-Bedbur, Princess-Abbess of Vreden
Josepha Maria Anna Antonia Nepomucena zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Bedburg was brought up in Vienna and after the death of her father in 1755, her uncle, Leopold picked her and her brothers up, and secured her the position as Canoness of Elten, and on the way they visited Dresden, Meissen, Hubertusburg, Bautzen, Naumburg (Saale) and further places. She also received a Präbende Vreden, which was tied to her family. She became Küsterin in Vreden in 1763 even though she did not take oath of office as lady of the chapter until 1765 when she was permitted not to live in the chapter. She held the same office in Elten from 1766 and the same year she became a lady of the chapter of Essen which was considered more prestigious as an Imperial Immediate Secular Chapter (kaiserlich-freiweltliches Stift) than the High Countly Secular Chapter of Vreden (hochgräflich-freiweltliche Stift Vreden) and the Princely Secular Chapter of Elten (fürstlich-freiweltliche Stift). She became Dechantin in Vreden from 1779, in Essen 1782 and in Elten in 1784, but the same year she failed to be elected Abbess, because Prussia supported Walburga Maria Truchsess von Waldburg-Zeil-Wurzach, but she succeeded her after her death 6 year later, and also in January she was elected Abbess of Vreden. She was daughter of daughter of Altgraf Karl Anton Joseph zu Salm-Reifferscheidt-Bedburg and countess Maria Franziska de Paula Eleonora Esterhazy, and lived ((1731-96).

??? Elizabeth van Hoyte

Z

Protestant Noble Ladies Chapter of Itzehoe (in Schleswig-Holstein)
The Ladies Chapter (Adeliches Damenstift) in Schleswig-Holstein was never an independent eccleastical territory, but the abbesses of high birth and it had some importance as a major landowner. The Convent was changed into a Ladies Chapter in 1541.

Around 1282 Abbess Margareta

Until 1356 Abbess Alheid Wozceke
Resigned

1356-.. Abbess Margarete Pogwisch (Poggewisch)

Around 1381-89 Abbess Wyburgis Pogghewisch

1389- Abbess Wibe Pogwisch (Poggewisch)

Around 1389 Priörin Alheydis

1403, 1412 Wybe Sehestedt

1421 Ide Reuntlo

1429, 1441 Margareta Wulff

Around 1441 Priorin Katharna

1448-1475 Drude Rixtorp

1463 Abbess Druda Ricstorp

Around 1463 Abbess Ida Grypp

1478-circa 95 Abbess Elisabeth Heesten

1487–1494 Mettildis Poggewysch

1495-1513-? Abbess Druda Walstorp

Around 1513 Priörin Elisabeth Pogwisch (Poggewisch)

1526-46 Abbess Katharina Rantzau. (Catholic)

1546-90 Abbess Katharina Pogwisch (Evangelical-Lutheran)

1526–1547 Katharina Rantzau

1547–1590 Katharina von Pogwisch

1591–1602 Katharina von Ahlefeldt

1606–1610 Dorothea von Ahlefeldt

circa 1610-40 Abbess Marie of Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Plön
The daughter of Duke Johann of Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Plön (1545-59-1622) and his first wife, Elisabeth von Braunschweig-Grubenhagen, she lived (1575-1640).

Around 1611 Priörin Lucia Plesse

1640-56 Anna von Buchwald

1656-69 Emerentina Heesten
Daughter of Lyder Heest zu Rethwisch. Her sister, Magdalene, was canoness in the chapter. Her brother, Benedikt, died as the last male member of the family in 1641.

1669–1683 Dorothea von Buchwald

1683–1721 Dorothea Louise von Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Augustenburg
Daughter of Duke Ernst Günther of Slesvig-Holsten-Sønerborg-Augustenburg and Auguste von Slesvig-Holsten-Glücksburg, she lived (1663-1721).

Until 1686 Agathe Sehested (Prioress?)
She was daughter of  Jakob Sested til Perdöl and Catharina Hansdatter von Thienen, and lived (1621-ca 1688)

1721–1727 Margaretha Katharina von Ahlefeldt

1727–1763 Metta Christina von Ahlefeldt

1763–1780 Ottilie Elisabeth von Ahlefeldt
She lived (1703-80)

1780–1790 Margaretha Hedwig von Ahlefeldt

Until 1785 Charlotte zu Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Beck (Prioress?)
Daughter of Duke Freiderich Ludwig (1653-1719-28) and Luise Charlotte of zu Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Augustenburg. She lived (1700-85)

1790–1803 Johanna von der Wisch

1803–1810 Sophia Magdalena von Qualen

1810-60 Juliane Louise Amelia of Hessen-Kassel
She was daughter of Landgrave Karl von Hessen-Kassel and Louise of Denmark, she was very much engaged in charities and social work, and lived (1773-1860).

1860-94 Louise zu Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Beck
Daughter of Duke Friedrich Wilhelm, and Luise Caroline von Hessen-Kassel, she lived (1820-94).

1895-1941 Marie zu Slesvig-Holsten-Sønderborg-Glücksburg
Daughter of Duke Friedrich of Schleswig-Holstein-Sønderborg-Glücksburg and Adelheid zu Schaumburg-Lippe, she lived (1859-1941).

1929-1941 Priorin Charlotte von Rumohr
1941-1978 Abbess

Around 2004- Abbess and Prioress Henriette Gräfin zu Rantzau

The Convent of Saint Marienthal (Klosterstift St. Marienthal)
The convent was founded in 1234 by Queen Kunigundis of Bohemia In 1245 it was granted extemtion and was outside the jurisdiction  of the bishop. The Abbess also Lady of the city of Ostriz and surroundings as Landesherrin until 1803, when its lands were taken over by Sachsen ending the worldly reign (weltliche Herrschaft). But the convent was not secularised. It was largely annexed by the Nazies during World War II and functioned as a military hospital. After 1945 the convent "Porta coeli" is closed down again by the new communist rulers. The sisters live as internees in their own convent and are threatened with extinction, but in the eighties, twice under the cover of great secrecy and under grave danger, a sister of "Porta coeli" is ordained to abbess in Marienthal. After the German reunification the convent was reinstated in its former position.

......................

Noble Chapter of Rühn - Kloster Rühn bei Bützow, with the Estate Moisall, the Estates of Rühn, Pustohl, Peetsch and Baumgarten and the outlying Estates of Reinshagen bei Doberan, Granzin bei Lübz, Krassow bei Wismar and Benitz bei Schwaan
The chapter was founded 1233 by Archbishop Gerhard II of Bremen, 1575 it became a Protestant Ladies Chapter (Evangelisches Damenstift)

...............

1654-94 Regent of the Chapter Sophie Agnes von Mecklenburg-Schwerin
She received the Chapter as "Regentinnenstelle" - "Area of Regency", and rebulit the chapter that had been destroyed during the Thirty Year War. She also changed the former Abbey Garden into a modern park. She was daughter of Duke Adolf Friedrich I, who had 10 children with his 2 wifes. Anna Maria von Ostfriesland (1601-1634) and Marie Katharina von Braunschweig-Dannenberg  (1616-1665). Among her sisters were Christine, who was Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim 1681-93, Julianna Sibylle, her successor in Rühn and Marie Elisabeth, who was Abbess of first Rühn from 1705 and Gandersheim from 1712-13. She lived (1625-1694).

1695-1701 Regent of the Chapter Juliane Sibylle von Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Succeeded her half-sister, Sophie Agnes. 2 of her full sisters were Christine and Marie Elisabeth. The first was Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim 1681-93 and the second Abbess of first Rühn from 1705 and Gandersheim from 1712. She lived (1636-1701)

1705-12 Regent of the Chapter Marie Elisabeth von Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Was elected Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim in 1712. She was daughter of Duke Adolf Friedrich I and Marie Katharina von Braunschweig-Dannenberg  (1616-1665). Her oldest sister, Sophie Agnes was Abbess of Rühn 1654-94, another sister, Christine was Princess-Abbess of of Gandersheim 1681-93 and finally Juliane Sibylle was also Abbess of Rühn 1695-1701. She herself was elected Princess-Abbess of Gandersheim in 1712. She lived (1646-1713).

1719-28 Titular Regent of the Chapter Marie Sophie von Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Appointed Abbess of the Chapter but probably never exerciced the office because of her young age. She was one of 2 daughters of Adolf Friedrich III and Dorothea Sophie von Holstein-Plön. Her sister died as an infant, and her father was succeeded by his nephew. She lived (1710-20)

1728-56 Regent of the Chapter Ulrike Sophie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin
Her German title was Regentin des Klosters Rühn. Her sister, Amalie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (1732-75) was a canoness in Herford . They were daughters of Duke Christian Ludwig von Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Gustave Karoline von Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She was unmarried, died in Rostock, and lived (1723-1813).

1756 Ulrike Sophie von Mecklenburg-Strelitz
As she did not take office after her election, the life in the chapter ended, and her father, Duke Adolf Friedrich III. made the chapter the administrative center of the Duchal District Office of Bützow-Rühn (Dominialamt).

Noble Chapter of Drübeck
Founded 960, King Otto III confirmed the right to choose the abbess in 995, giving it a special position similar to the Chapters of the Realm of Gandersheim and Quedlinburg. The chapter died out during upheavals of the Reformation, Peasant Wars and the Thirty Year War. By the end of the 17th century the chapter building came in the possession of the Counts of Stolberg-Wernigerode, and 1732 they founded a Protestant Ladies Chapter (evangelisches Damenstift).

Around 900 Adelbrin
.......

1501-35 Katharina zu Stolberg
Mentioned as canoness at Chapter of Rohrbach the age of 6, mentioned there as Mistress of Songs (Sangmesterin) in 1491. During the last years of her tenure, the reformation influenced the life in the chapter in many ways. She lived (1463-1535).

......

Before 1946-55 Magdalene zu Stolberg-Wernigerode
Stayed in the Soviet Occupiet Szone and the later DDR as the last Abbess of the Chapter. She was the second daughter of Count Grafen Constantin zu Stolberg-Wernigerode, sometime Oberpräsident of the Prussian Province of Hannover, and lived (1875-1955)

Abbess of Trebnitz, Reigning Lady of Trebniz (St Clara in Trebintz (Trzebnica)
Founded 1202 and Duke Konrad von Oels transferred all rights to the town of Trebnitz to the chapter 1480.

1202-18 Petrissa

1218... Gertrude of Poland
Daughter of Heinrich I, Seniorduke of Polen and Duke in Schlesien and Saint Hedwig von Schlesien

Until 1243 St. Hedwig von Andechs
Widow of Duke Heinrich I of Silesia, Cracow and Great Poland (d. 1238) and daughter of Count Bertold IV von Andechs, Margrave of Istria, Duke of Meranien and Agnes von Rochlitz, and (d. 1243)

Until 1268 Gertrud von Schlesien
Daughter of Duke Henryk I of Lower Silesia, Cracow, Great Poland, Opollen and Ratibor and Saint Hedwig von Andechs
Aunt of the Abbesses Agnes and Hedwig. She lived (1209-68).

Until 1278/98 Eufrozyna von Poznan
Daughter of Przemysl I, Prince of Poznan, Kalisch and Gnesen and Elisabeth of Silesia-Cracow and Great Poland. (d. 1278-98)

circa 1278-after 78 Agnes von Schlesien
The 9th daughter of Duke Henryk II of Lower Silesia, Cracow and Great Poland and Anna of Bohemia, she was succeeded by sister and lived (1220/22-after 1278)

after 1278-1318 Hedwig von Schlesien
Succeeded her older sister, Agnes.

Until 1331 Konstancja von  Kujavia
Daughter of Ziemomysl of Kujavia and Salome of Pomerelia

Until circa 1348 Jadwiga von Sagan
Daughter of Duke Henryk II of Sagan and Mathilde von Brandenburg-Salzwedel . She lived (1312/16-circa 1348).

 Until 1362 Agnes von Beuthen
Daughter of Duke Wladislaw of Beuthen and Kosel, and his second wife, Lukardis of Mecklenburg

Until 1377 Katharina von Beuthen
Daughter of Duke Wladislaw of Beuthen and Kosel, and his second wife, Lukardis of Mecklenburg

1372-1404/05 Katharina von Brieg
Daughter of Duke Ludwik I of Brieg, Lüben and Brieg and Agnes zu Glogau und Sagan, she lived (1344-1404/05)

Around 1413 Anna on Kujawien
Rebuilt the chapter and city after both were destroyed by a fire.

Until 1427/28 Bolka von Beuthen
Daughter of Duke Bolko II of Beuthen and Kosel, and Margareta von Sternberg. Her nieces were the Abbesses Agnes and Katharina. She lived (1351/55ø1427/28).....143

Around 1453 Agnes von Beuthen
Rebuit the town and chapter that had been burnt down during an attack by the Hussites.

Until 1455 Anna von Oppeln
Daughter of Duke Boleslaw III of Oppeln and Anna.

1456-66 Malgorzata von Öls
Daughter of Duke Konrad III  of Öls and Jutta. (d. 1466).

Until circa 1500 Hedwig von Troppau
Daughter of Prince Przemko of Troppau and his 3rd wife, Jelena of Bosnia, her niece was Anna von Troppau-Münsterberg and lived (ca 1430-ca 1500)

Until 1515 Anna von Troppau
Daughter of Duke Wilhelm of Troppau and Münsterberg and Salome z Czastolowicz, and lived (ca 1448-1515)

1597-1707 Dispute among the German and Polish nuns about the election of the position of Abbess. Normally the Polish won, especially after the scandal involving Abbess Maria von Luck, who converted to Protestantism and escaped with her lver. 

1618-48 The chapter and town were destroyed several times by Swedish troops during the Thirty Year War and the nuns had to flee to neighbouring Poland 3 times.

1789-1810 Dominika von Gillern
Mentioned as the last Princess-Abbess. She had first been Mistress of the Kitchen and then Administrator of the Chapter. She bought new land, fought poverty, built a new hospital for both confessions and opned several schools. A few months after her death, the Chapter was secularized and the following year the last nuns had to leave their home. The town and the lands previously belonging to the chapter became the property of Prussia and were later sold. Freiin Dominika Anna Maria von Gillern lived (1739-1810).

Last update 20.09.16