Herford Abbey

The origins of the Imperial Abbey of Herford date back to 789, when it was founded as a convent in Müdehorst. Around 800, it was relocated to its current site. In 819, the abbey was transferred to Emperor Louis the Pious and in 823 it was elevated to an imperial monastery, modeled after the Carolingian imperial monastery of Notre Dame in Soissons. The introduction of the Benedictine Rule took place in close connection with Corvey Abbey. In 860, the abbey gained further significance through the transfer of the relics of Saint Pusinna, its later patroness. During the tenure of Abbess Mathilde I, her granddaughter, the later Queen Mathilde, was educated here. After destruction by the Hungarians between 919 and 924, the monastery was rebuilt from 927 and developed into an important missionary and educational center for Saxony. Over time, it transformed back into a noble canonesses' collegiate church. The Vogtship of the monastery initially lay with the Billungers, later with Henry the Lion, and from 1180 with the Archdiocese of Cologne.

The Imperial Abbey of Herford is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, at an elevation of approximately 70 meters above sea level.

The Imperial Abbey of Herford is today a historical monument, whose architectural remains bear witness to its former importance.

• Steinbeck Castle (Castle, approx. 6517 m away)
• Consbruch Manor (Hiddenhausen) (Manor House, approx. 7105 m away)
• Milse Castle (Castle, approx. 7208 m away)
• Oberbehme Castle (Kirchlengern) (Castle, approx. 7231 m away)