Bernard I, Duke of Saxony

Bernard I
Duke of Saxony
Reign 973–1011
Predecessor Herman
Successor Bernard II
Born c.950
Died 9 February 1011(1011-02-09)
Corvey
Burial Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg
Spouse Hildegard of Stade
House House of Billung
Father Herman
Mother Oda

Bernard I (c. 950 – 9 February 1011) was the Duke of Saxony (973–1011), the second of the Billung dynasty, a son of Duke Herman and Oda. He extended his father's power considerably.

He fought the Danes in 974, 983, and 994 during their invasions. He supported the succession of Otto III over Henry the Wrangler. 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 vis-à-vis the crown, where his father had been the representative of the king to the tribe, Bernard was the representative of the tribe to the king . Bernard died in 1011 and was buried in the Church of Saint Michael in Lüneburg.

Family

In 990, Bernard married Hildegard (died 1011), daughter of Henry I the Bald, Count of Stade (died 976). They had the following issue:

and probably:

Bernard I, Duke of Saxony
Born: ca. 950 Died: 9 February 1011 in Corvey
Preceded by
Hermann
Duke of Saxony
973–1011
Succeeded by
Bernard II
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