The Nun lived at Barking Abbey during the late twelfth century. Benedictine nuns were highly educated; many were from the aristocracy. The Abbey’s prosperity, and its links to the monarchy, made it a hub of activity which included visitors from across the world. The Nun may have been Clemence of Barking’s teacher. Anglo-Norman abounded in works of literature and devotion. Saints’ lives were popular, often read at mealtimes. The Nun’s Edward the Confessor stresses the power of a woman’s voice in a modest but confident way, addressing her audience and adapting her Latin source.