Leoba (d. 779)
Valerie L. Garver
Leoba (d. 779) was an Anglo-Saxon abbess of Tauberbischofsheim in Saxony. She is best known for her missionary-related efforts because work spreading the female religious life and close association with relative, Boniface Mainz. Two extant letters between demonstrate Leoba’s considerable learning as does account by monk Rudolf Fulda. Rudolf’s discussion childhood, able leadership, miracles, death provides a view into early medieval gender dynamics. instruction prepared many students to become abbesses elsewhere, helping propagate Christian practice. Among laity who respected were Carolingian kings Charlemagne’s queen, Hildegard. travelled widely other houses, Fulda, royal court.