[1] Hiltrude was the daughter of Ada, a Frankish noblewoman, and Wibert, Count of Poitiers, who owned lands between the Sambre and Meuse rivers.

She wished to retire and live the life of a nun, however, her parents wanted her to marry a Burgundian lord.

Her parents gave her an estate from Molhain to Yeaux for her life, and after her death it was to go to the Church of St. Lambert.

Later, following her example, several daughters of lords decided to join her, allowing the creation in 752 of a female annex.

Her fame for sanctity grew over the centuries and on 17 September 1004 the bishop of Cambrai, Erluino, had her tomb opened, "elevating" her relics.