Ferdinand Albert I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern

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Ferdinand Albert I (Ferdinand Albrecht I) was a member of the House of Welf who lived from 22 May 1636 to 23 April 1687. He was born in Brunswick as the fourth son of Duke Augustus the Younger and Elisabeth Sophie of Mecklenburg. After his father’s death, his brothers fought over the inheritance, and Ferdinand Albert eventually received the palace of Bevern and some rights in exchange for giving up his claim to the government of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, which was ruled by his elder half-brothers Rudolph Augustus and Anthony Ulrich.

In 1667 he became Duke of Brunswick-Bevern, a separate branch of the duchy, and ruled there until his death. He joined the Royal Society in 1665 and the Fruitbearing Society in 1673. Over time he became known for eccentric behavior, and at times his brothers had to send troops to restore order at his palace. He collected many artworks, later forming part of the Herzog Anton Ulrich Museum in Brunswick.

Ferdinand Albert I married Christine of Hesse-Eschwege in 1667, and they had several children who survived to adulthood, including Sophia Eleonora, Augustus Ferdinand, Ferdinand Albert II, Ferdinand Christian Ernest, and Henry Ferdinand. He died in Bevern in 1687, and his son Ferdinand Albert II would inherit Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel years later.