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

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 ment 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 ment 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 (ca. 833-66).

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Ca. 900-914 Adelinde von Kesselsberg

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Until 1021 Irmentraud     

1021-27 Abarhild

1027-ca. 43 Hildegard 

1043-51 Uta (Tutta)

Ca. 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

Ca. 1707-13 Maria Elizabeth Fugger von Kircheim-Glött

Ca. 1713-21 Maria Theresia Johanna von Fürstenberg-Messkirch

Ca. 1721-32 Rosina Amalia Truschess von Walbdurg-Zeill

1732-ca. 42 Adelheid Josepha Truschess von  Trauchburg-Dürmentingen'

Ca. 1742-49 Maria Antonia von Montfort

Ca. 1749-57  Carolina von Jörger

Ca. 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

Ca. 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

Ca. 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

Ca. 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-ca. 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

Ca. 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

Ca. 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 1501 Engela von Holte 

1501-45 Ida von Syberg 

1551-54 Sophie Budberg 

1556-77 Anna von der Goy

1590-95  Katharina von Neheim

1595-1623 Ludger von  Neheim gen. Dutscher

1623-26 Anna Rump 

1626-30 Helene von Plettenberg 

1630-39 Gertrud von der Pforten

1639-40 Anna Lucia von Plettenberg 

1641-84 Helene von Syberg

1684-96 Elsebein von Laer 

1696-1701 Maria Sybilla von Laer 

1701-04 Theodora Anna Katharina von Hauß 

1704-16 Sophia Johanna von  Bentheim-Tecklenburg

1716-53 Sophie Amelie Dorothee von Bentheim-Tecklenburg 

1753-76 Anna Christine Katharina von der Bottlenberg gnt. Kessel

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)

1797-1802 Wilhelmine Sophie von Cornberg
 


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. 

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

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. Agnes was Abbess of Vreden. She was daughter of Count Jobst von Limburg und Bronckhorst and Maria von Schauenburg und Holstein-Pinneberg. She lived (1563-1645).

Around 1655 Agnes zu Limburg-Stirum
Also Abbess to Vreden. Daughter of Count Herman Georg von Limburg und Bronckhorst and Countess Maria von Hoya.

Before 1669-75 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. 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. She lived lived (1620-74).

1675-1708 Maria Franziska 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 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).
 

Until 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).

 
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 ment 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. Until xxx the Abbess of Essen held the office of Dechaness (Pröbstin) of the this chapter.

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 (ca. 1000-56).

1058-after 1085 Svanhild

Ca. 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.

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 posession in 1077, and Pope Innocence II confimed this status in 1141, but already in 1201 king Philipp 1201 transferred the Convent to the Archbishop of Salzburg, who then became the siritual 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 (ca. 833-66).

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um 1004 Gerberga
Perhaps daughter of Duke Heinrich II. von Bayern 
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1145/1154 Walburga/Walpurg

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1242 Petrissa

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1311 Herburgis

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1327 Offmay

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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.

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(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 continued the reforms. 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.

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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) (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 (ca. 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 recieved 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 (ca. 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 (ca. 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 (ca. 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 (ca. 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 (ca. 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-ca. 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

ca. 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-ca. 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 payed 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
....
1243-53 Patientia 

Around 1263 Wilibirgis

1273-1302 Irmengard (or Irmelgard)    
.....
1304 Gertrude 
....
1312-22 Halwig II Wahsgeb
She came from Ulm.

1315 Anne

1331 Katharina (Wahsgeb?)

1335-65 Anne Muht

1339 Cristina or Cristine Gräter

1349 Adelheid

1351-54 Agnes von Freyberg

Around 1390 Katharina von Stadion

1396-97 Anastasia von Emerkingen

1401-06 Anna von Freyberg

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

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

1437-50 Elisabeth Hoffmann

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

1454-80 Elisabeth Kröhl

1480-1509 Agnes Sauter   

1509-15 Anna Kobold           

1515-26 Barbera I Ellenbog 

1526-32 Walburga Bitterler 

1532-39 Margaretha 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 Täschler 
Former Prioress. Died of plague.

1636-63 Scholastica Eberhardt
 
1663-65 Maria Appolonia Schweizer

1670-75 Martin Bernarda Östringer 

1675-87 Maria Caecilia Vöhlerin (Vöhlin) 

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 

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  (ca. 1100/05- after 1154)

1163-70 Lutgard I    
Also known as Ludgard

Ca. 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

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

1779-1783 Koadjutorin Henriette Amalia Prinzessin von Anhalt-Dessau

1783-1796 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
                                                        
                            
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

..........

Until 1512 Princess-Abbess Anna von der Borch

...........

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