Former Benedictine Abbey. At the end of the 10th century, the royal court of Frau Helmburg was owned by Count Eckhard von Reinhausen and his wife Mathilde. The death of their young son prompted the couple to set up a foundation with their property. This is how the Helmwardeshusen Monastery came about from this foundation. Pope Sylvester II and Emperor Otto III gave their approval for the founding of the monastery. on October 8, 997. The first Abbot Haulf was in office from 997 to 1013. The status of a free imperial abbey, which was conferred on the monastery at the same time, was challenged by Paderborn Bishop Meinwerk. His actions with the Holy See in Rome and with the Emperor were finally successful and Helmarshausen Abbey was put under his control.
The achievements of the convent have shaped the image of Helmarshausen Abbey over the centuries of its existence through artistic products that arouse admiration among those who see them. Soon after the beginning of the religious work, the monastery set up a scriptorium as well as a gold and silversmith. Here appropriately trained monks wrote magnificent books and documents and made precious crosses, richly decorated book covers and numerous small bronzes. Secular and ecclesiastical princes took advantage of the monks' skill and commissioned them accordingly.