The Abbey was founded by the rich landowner Margareta Gustafsdotter, who became its first abbess.
The members of the Abbey predominantly came from wealthy noble families who lived upon the income from their estates, and the life of the abbey was strictly reclusive, the nuns seldom coming in contact with the population of the city.
According to the legend of the chronicle Rimkrönikan, a member of the abbey had a vision foretelling that Charles VIII of Sweden would one day wear a crown.
The infamous lady Brita Tott was reportedly imprisoned here for a period of time after having been sentenced for treason.
The members therefore relocated to the Skänninge Abbey, transferring the assets and privileges of the St. John's Priory with them.