Berne Abbey

Berne Abbey was founded in 1134 by the knight Fulcold of Berne. Initially, Fulcold attempted to settle Augustinian canons but was dissatisfied with their discipline. He then turned to the Premonstratensian Order. An abbot and several canons came from Mariënweerd Abbey to his castle, which he converted into a monastery. Fulcold himself joined the community, and his wife Bescela also chose a religious life. The patronage of the monastery shifted from the Dukes of Cleves to the Dukes of Brabant, and finally to the Counts of Holland and the Dukes of Guelders. The abbey gained patronage rights over numerous parishes. During the Eighty Years' War, the monastery was plundered in 1572 and burned down in 1579.