Alfbard / Abba of Middle Friesland, Ruler in Middle Friesland

Alfbad or Abba was a Frisian count who ruled in the 8th century. In the name of the Frankish king Pepin the short he governed the territory of Oostergo in the present day province of Friesland, Netherlands.

Legend says he was father of Nordolah, a ruler in Middle Friesland.

History

Abba came from the Frisian elite that flourished under the rule of the Franks.

After the defeat at Jirnsum in the Battle of the Boarn the Frisian kingdom was finished (734). West of Lauwers Friesland fell into Frankish hands. Under major-domo Charles Martel's rule the Frisian pagans started to become Christian. The Frisian nobility played an important role in this.

It is apparent that Abba's appointment became respected. He belonged to the Frisian nobility. Most believe that he was one of the first governors in the period after the fule of the Frisian kings. He played an important fole in the Christianisation for the Friese. It is known that after the death of Saint Boniface in 754 that he directed the building of a church in Dokkum consecrated to Boniface.

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