Thorn Abbey

Imperial Abbey of Thorn
Reichsstift Thorn (de)
Rieksstif van Thoear (li)
Rijksabdij van Thorn (nl)
1292–1794
Coat of arms of Thorn Abbey
Coat of arms
Territory of the Abbey of Thorn (purple), around 1700.
Territory of the Abbey of Thorn (purple), around 1700.
StatusImperial Abbey
CapitalThorn (Netherlands)
Common languagesDutch
GovernmentElective principality
Abbess 
Historical eraMiddle Ages
• Founded
c. 975
• Gained Imperial immediacy
1292
• Joined Council of Princes
1793
• Occupied by France
1794
June 9, 1815
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Bishopric of Liège Bishopric of Liège
Meuse-Inférieure

Thorn Abbey or the Imperial Abbey of Thorn was an imperial abbey of the Holy Roman Empire in what is now the Netherlands. It was founded in the 10th century and remained independent until 1794, when it was occupied by French troops. The self-ruling abbey enjoyed imperial immediacy and belonged to the Lower Rhenish-Westphalian Circle.

At the time Thorn Abbey was invaded by the French revolutionaries in 1794, its territory was composed of three non-contiguous parts totaling 52.1 km2. In addition, the abbess shared rule over nearby areas totaling 35 km2. The abbey's territory was divided into four "quarters", each administered by two mayors. The population in 1796 was 2,975 inhabitants.

In 1797, the abbey was officially dissolved by the French. The Baroque interior survived the restoration but the spire was replaced with a massive neo-Gothic bell tower.[1]