Petronille de Chemillé
Encyclopedia
The Venerable Petronilla of Chemillé (died April 24, 1149) was a widow and the first abbess of the double monastery of Fontevrault in western France governing from 1115 to 1149.
Born Petronilla of Craon, she became a follower of Robert of Arbrissel
. After Philippa of Toulouse
persuaded her husband William IX, Duke of Aquitaine to grant him land for the foundation of an abbey, he left Hersende de Champagne and Petronilla in charge of monitoring the construction and organization. A year before his death, he named her first abbess.
Born Petronilla of Craon, she became a follower of Robert of Arbrissel
Robert of Arbrissel
Robert of Arbrissel was an itinerant preacher, and founder of the abbey of Fontevrault. He was born at Arbrissel near Rhétiers, Brittany; and died at Orsan.-Biography:...
. After Philippa of Toulouse
Philippa of Toulouse
Philippa Maude of Toulouse , also known as Philippa de Toulouse or Philippa de Rouergue, was the Duchess Consort of Aquitaine, and Countess of Toulouse...
persuaded her husband William IX, Duke of Aquitaine to grant him land for the foundation of an abbey, he left Hersende de Champagne and Petronilla in charge of monitoring the construction and organization. A year before his death, he named her first abbess.