An ancient order connected by tradition with Saint James the Less and the first establishment of holy women in Jerusalem. Saint Helena is said to have been a member. The earliest date on record, however, is that of the foundation of the Saragossa monastery, 1276. Their first definite appearance dates from the establishment of Kinroy in Lower Germany, in 1480, followed by that of Liege, Belgium, in 1496. A great revival in the West, begun with the foundation at Charleville, France, in 1622, gave rise to the English community, in 1642. The Canonesses took possession of their present historic home, New Hall, at Chelmsford, England, in 1799, having been driven from France by the Revolution. The Order follows the Rule of Saint Augustine and, although contemplative, admits of educational work and the conducting of retreats. The Order has, approximately, 20 houses, including schools, in England, Holland, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and Africa. There is no general mother-house of the order, each country having its own administration.