Bassum Abbey

In 858, the noblewoman Liutgart gave her entire paternal inheritance and founded the abbey as a canonesses' abbey in the sense of the Aachen Canonesses' Rule of 816. The noble families of the country thus had the opportunity to provide their unmarried daughters with a Christian education and a livelihood. The abbey was consecrated by Ansgar, Archbishop of Hamburg and Bremen (831–865). Liutgart was also the first abbess of the abbey. To this day, the abbey is led by an abbess. The current abbess since 2008 is Isabell von Kameke. The abbey adopted the Benedictine Rule in the 12th or 13th century. It has been Protestant since 1541. In the past, up to 10 canonesses lived in the abbey. In contrast to monasteries, they were allowed private property in the abbey, and they were also allowed to leave the abbey. Their main tasks were the solemn praise of God, intercession for the deceased, and care for the poor. Today, the abbey still has 10 canonesses (capitulars), but – except for the abbess and her deputy, the dean – there is no longer a residency requirement, so they usually live in their respective hometowns, where they pursue normal professions – but they feel connected to the abbey and meet annually for the chapter meeting. The women no longer have to be noble. The abbey is the nucleus of the city of Bassum, which was then called Birsina.