Bernhard VII, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst

Life

Bernhard inherited Anhalt-Zerbst when his father died in 1551 along with his older brothers Karl I and Joachim Ernest according to the stipulations of the family law of the House of Ascania, which mandated no division of the territories of the principality.

Upon the deaths without issue of his uncles George III of Anhalt-Plötzkau in 1553 and Joachim I of Anhalt-Dessau in 1561, Bernhard and Joachim Ernest inherited their lands, which were merged into Anhalt-Zerbst (Karl only inherited Plötzkau, because he died before Joachim I). In 1562 Anhalt-Köthen was also merged into Anhalt-Zerbst after the death without issue of its last prince, Wolfgang. Bernhard made his residence in Dessau.

Marriage and issue

In Dessau on 28 May 1565 Bernhard married Clara (b. Gifhorn, 1 January 1550 – d. Franzburg, 26 January 1598), posthumous daughter of Francis, Duke of Gifhorn. They had only one son:

1. Franz George (b. 17 October 1567 – d. Zerbst, 7 September 1568).

Bernhard died without surviving male heirs and was succeeded by his brother Joachim Ernest, who became sole ruler of all the Anhalt territories.

References

|- John V with Karl I (until 1561) and Joachim Ernest 1551–1570 Joachim Ernest |- George III with Karl I (until 1561) and Joachim Ernest 1553–1570 |- Joachim I with Joachim Ernest 1561–1570 |- Wolfgang with Joachim Ernest 1562–1570 |-

References

1. Swaffham.), George Fisher (of. (1832). "A Companion and Key to the History of England: Consisting of Copious Genealogical Details of the British Sovereigns ... with an Appendix, Exhibiting a Chronological Epitome of the Successive Holders of the Several Titles of the British, Saxon, and English Nobility ... with ... Their Armorial Bearings ...". Simpkin and Marshall.