Gertrude of Nivelles (626–659)
Bonnie Effros
Gertrude of Nivelles was born in 626 to Pippin I Landen, mayor the palace Austrasian kingdom, and Ita, his wife. After her mother founded a religious house at Nivelles, became first abbess, where she oversaw monastery until death 659. The Irish-influenced double an important centre for Pippinid (and later Carolingian) dynasty.