Eulalia (abbess of Shaftesbury) facts for kids

Eulalia (died around 1106) was a French nun who became the leader, called an abbess, of the monastery in Shaftesbury (Dorset, England) in 1074. She is mentioned in some old documents from her time. These include a special paper called a charter from 1089 and another from King Stephen. She also appears in lists of people who had passed away, like the one for Vitalis, an abbot from Savigny, in 1122-23, and a list from Matilda, the abbess of Caen, in 1113.

Eulalia's Time at Shaftesbury Abbey

Eulalia was an important leader at Shaftesbury Abbey. She was in charge of the monastery, which was a large building where nuns lived and prayed.

Building the Monastery

The eastern part of the monastery at Shaftesbury was finished in the late 1000s. It is very likely that this important building work happened under Eulalia's guidance. This means she probably helped plan and oversee its construction.

A Story About Eulalia

An old book from Shaftesbury Abbey tells a story about a nun named Eulalia. This book lists different miracles of the Virgin Mary. In one story, the Virgin Mary tells a nun named Eulalia to say her 'Ave Maria' prayer more slowly. Historians are not completely sure if this nun Eulalia is the same person as Abbess Eulalia.

Managing Abbey Lands

Shaftesbury Abbey owned a lot of land. This land was rented out to people, and the money earned from these rentals helped support the monastery. During Eulalia's time as abbess, the abbey also had a duty to provide men for military service. This was a common requirement for large landowners back then.

Eulalia's Family Connections

A special document from King Henry I shows that a man named Thomas was a free tenant on the abbey's lands in the 1100s. This Thomas was also a relative, or kinsman, of Abbess Eulalia. This shows that Eulalia had family connections who were also involved with the abbey's lands.

When Did Eulalia Die?

Historians believe that Eulalia might have died in 1106. It is not known for sure who became the next abbess after her.