Neuwerk Abbey (Mönchengladbach)

The founding of Kloster Neuwerk is presumed to be around 1135. A document from that year first mentions it as "novo oratorio," a new chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Benedictine monastery in Gladbach supported the sisters living there by ceding income. The complex was built on a manor called "Cranendonk" in the Niers lowlands and initially consisted of a small, flat-roofed chapel with a few outbuildings. Between 1170 and 1182, the chapel was expanded into a church, and the farmstead developed into the monastery with approximately 20 Benedictine nuns and an abbess. The name "Neuwerk" (novum opus) first appeared in 1182, after the larger church and monastery had been established. In the 16th century, it was known as "Geistadeliges Gotteshaus Neuwerk," as only noblewomen aged ten and above, with a substantial dowry, could enter the convent. After training, a probationary year, and a novitiate year, the young women often took their vows between the ages of 16 and 18. Until about 1250, anchoresses also lived in the monastery. Two clerics, a prior and a chaplain, were appointed by the Abbot of Gladbach from 1342 onwards.