At first a priory of Hirsau, the new foundation was declared an independent abbey in 1086, and under Abbot Theoger (1088–1119) began to accumulate the extensive estates, possessions and legal rights which made it one of the greatest religious houses of south-western Germany. The first Vögte ("lords protector") were the founder Hezelo (d. 1088) and his son Hermann (d. 1094).
At its inception as a priory of Hirsau, the new foundation became an independent abbey in 1086, with Abbot Theoger (1088–1119) amassing extensive estates, possessions, and legal rights that elevated it to one of the most significant religious houses in southwestern Germany. The first Vögte ("lords protector") were Hezelo (d. 1088) and his son Hermann (d. 1094).