Berno of Cluny
The abbot to whom Duke William entrusted the new monastery of Cluny for life, with the provision that after his death the monks should elect his successor freely.
The foundation charter places the monks and all their property under “the abbot Berno”, who is to preside over them as long as he lives, according to his knowledge and ability (Foundation Charter of Cluny). The next document in the abbey’s collection of charters shows him at work as abbot of Cluny, exchanging fields in the district of Mâcon with a local couple (Foundation Charter of Cluny Bruel, no. 113). These two charters say nothing of his earlier life. See the Founding of Cluny.
In the timeline
- 11 September AD 910, estimated dateThe Founding of Cluny
Duke William of Aquitaine gives his estate at Cluny for a monastery under the Rule of Benedict and renounces every right over it, placing it under the apostles Peter and Paul and the protection of the pope.
Primary sources
Foundation Charter of Cluny
- Foundation Charter of Clunysourcebooks.fordham.edu
- Foundation Charter of Cluny Bruel, no. 113archive.org