Barbara Constable facts for kids

Barbara Constable (1617–1684) was an English nun, writer, and copyist. She was known as Dame Barbara Constable. She was a member of the Benedictine order. Her writings helped Catholic communities in England who faced challenges for their faith. Some of her copies of Father Augustine Baker's works are the only ones still known today.

Early Life of Barbara Constable

Barbara Constable was born in 1617. Her parents were Sir Philip Constable, 1st Baronet, and Anne Roper. Sir Philip was a special kind of noble from Yorkshire, England. Barbara and her family were Roman Catholics.

Her Life as a Nun

In 1638, Barbara Constable went to a monastery in France. This monastery was called Our Lady of Consolation. It was located in a town called Cambrai. She lived there until she died in 1684. Barbara often had poor health. This made it hard for her to do quiet prayer. So, she spent a lot of time writing instead. Writing became a big part of her religious life.

Barbara Constable's Writings

Barbara Constable wrote and collected many religious texts. She also copied the writings of Father Augustine Baker. He was a spiritual guide at her monastery. Her writing included translating and copying spiritual books. She wrote for other nuns, regular people, and Catholics who found prayer difficult.

One of her books was called 'Speculum Superiorum'. It gave advice on how leaders should treat nuns. It focused on the importance of peace and unity. Some of her copies of Father Baker's writings are very important. They are the only known copies left.

Women like Barbara Constable helped Catholic communities in England. They copied, saved, and shared Catholic books. This was very important during the 16th and 17th centuries. At that time, Catholics in England faced difficulties for their beliefs.