The Involvement of the Abbesses of St. George’s Convent in the Medieval Coronations of Queens of Bohemia

Abstract

The chapter explores the unique role of the abbesses of St. George's Convent in the medieval coronations of Bohemian queens. The abbesses played a prominent ceremonial role, formally codified in the 14th-century Coronation Ordo of Charles IV. Initially limited to accompanying queens, their responsibilities expanded during the post-Hussite period to include active assistance in the coronation itself. Despite unverified claims of special privileges granted by Emperor Charles IV, no evidence supports these assertions. The abbess's involvement reflected both her proximity to the royal court and the convent's historical prominence.