Background
Bernard was the second son of Magnus with the Necklace. After the death of his father in 1373, he and his brothers agreed with the Ascanian dukes of Saxony-Wittenberg to alternate rule in the Principality of Lüneburg.
Duke of Brunswick Ascanian dukes
Bernard was the second son of Magnus with the Necklace. After the death of his father in 1373, he and his brothers agreed with the Ascanian dukes of Saxony-Wittenberg to alternate rule in the Principality of Lüneburg.
From 1375 on, Bernard took part in the government de jure, and from 1385 on de facto. Bernard and Henry ruled the Principality of Brunswick together after Frederick's death. In a treaty of 1409, Bernard received sole rule over Brunswick.
After a second treaty in 1428, Bernard switched to the Principality of Lüneburg. Bernard married Margaret, daughter of Wenceslaus, Elector of Saxony, in 1386. They had three children:
Otto (died 1446)
Frederick (died 1478)
Catherine (died 1429), married Casimir V, Duke of Pomerania.
In the genealogy of the House of Welf, he is considered the first member of the Second House of Lüneburg.
