Individual Details

Duke Bernhard I von Sachsen

(Abt 950 - 9 Feb 1011)

Bernhard was born about 950, the son of Hermann Billung, Herzog von Sachsen, and a wife possibly called Oda. He was the duke of Saxony from 973 to his death, the second of the Billung dynasty. He extended his father's power considerably. In 990 Bernhard married Hildegard von Stade, daughter of Heinrich I 'der Kahle', Graf von Stade, Graf im Heiangau, and his second wife Hildegard (von Reinhausen). They had five children of whom only Bernhard II would have progeny.

Bernhard fought the Danes in 974, 983 and 994 during their invasions. He supported the succession of Otto III as emperor over the claims of Heinrich II 'der Zanker', duke of Bavaria. In 986 he was made marshal and in 991 and 995 he joined the young Otto on campaign against the Slavs. He increased his power in relation to the crown; whereas his father had been the representative of the king to the Saxons, Bernhard was their representative to the king. Bernhard died on 9 February 1011 and was buried in the Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg.

Source: Leo van de Pas

Events

BirthAbt 950
MarriageAbt 990Hildegard von Stade
Death9 Feb 1011Corvey

Families