Thorn
The Thorn Collection contains 73 medieval charters from the former High Noble Abbey of Thorn. They date from the period between 950 and 1300.
Stories
The stories of
Thorn
The property and rights of Thorn Abbey in the early years of its existence
Ansfried—with the help of his wife Hereswind (Hilsondis)—founded an abbey in Thorn sometime in the last quarter of the 10th century.
Ansfried and the founding of the abbey in the 10th century
Count Ansfried (born c. 940) came from a family of high nobility. He was from a region then known as "Teisterbant," located between the Meuse and Waal rivers.
Trouble with the Lords of Horne
The guardianship of an abbey meant that secular rulers assumed responsibility for the protection of such a religious institution.
Residents of the abbey: canonesses, canons, ministerials, and beguines
The historiography concerning the inhabitants of Thorn Abbey is largely limited to the upper social class, namely the founding ladies (canonesses) and canons (priests).
Out-of-court dispute resolution ahead of its time.
Conflicts of interest in the 13th century usually took the form of disputes over agricultural land.
Guardianship of Thorn Abbey
The story of the founding of Thorn Abbey by Count Ansfried (see Theme 1) highlights the involvement of the Roman King Otto I, who granted territorial rights to Ansfried around 950.
Patronage rights and a wayward priest
The patronage right referred to the right of the abbey—in this case, Thorn Abbey—as the patron of the Bishop of Liège, to nominate a candidate for the appointment of a new parish priest.
The Economic Development of Thorn Abbey in the 13th Century
As early as the 10th century, the Abbey of Thorn acquired rights in the region that generated income.
partners
donors
Beijer family