Fides von Klingen

Fides von Klingen
Died28 February 1358 
OccupationChristian nun 
Position heldabbess (1340–1358) 

Fides von Klingen (died 28 February 1358, Zurich) was a Swiss abbess. She led the Fraumünster Abbey and, effectively, Zurich itself for 18 years, from 1340 until her death.

Biography

Her father was a baron named Walter.[1] Initially a nun at the Fraumünster Abbey, Fides von Klingen was elected abbess at the end of 1340[1][2] in a contested election against Beatrix von Wolhusen.[1] She thus succeeded Elisabeth von Matzingen.[2] An arbitrator appointed by Emperor Louis IV had to intervene to decide in her favor.[1]

Her reign was marked by difficulties, notably the Black Death, which struck Zurich in 1348, and the Bloody Night of Zurich in 1350.[1] Furthermore, the city experienced an urban rebellion and abolished some of the abbey's privileges.[3] She also altered the style used on the abbey's seals.[4]

She died on 28 February 1358 in Zurich[1] and was succeeded by Beatrix von Wolhusen.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Klingen, Fides von". Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (in French). Retrieved 2024-12-16.
  2. ^ a b c Müller, Annalena (2024). Monastic Women and Secular Economy in Later Medieval Europe, ca. 1200 to 1500. Oxford: Taylor & Francis. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-003-29990-5.
  3. ^ Müller, Annalena (2024). Monastic women and secular economy in later Medieval Europe, ca. 1200 to 1500. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. p. 44. ISBN 978-1-032-29071-3.
  4. ^ Holladay, Joan A. (2004). "The Competition for Saints in Medieval Zurich". Gesta. 43 (1): 41–59. doi:10.2307/25067091. ISSN 0016-920X. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-16.