Histories

ANDREAS BRUGGER was born in Norway. He was said to be the son of Jorgens Brugger, who had another son, Ole (b c 1703). However it is possible that Andreas was really the illegitimate son or grandson of Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenlove, himself the illegitimate son of the King of Denmark.

    Andreas joined the army in 1713 and for 4 years was an underofficer at Bergenhus. He was in the National Infantry Regiment until 1718, in which year he was promoted Captain, and on 15 Aug 1718 appointed to the Company at Sondfjord. On 1 Nov 1720 he was downgraded; for what reason is not clear.

    On 25 May 1732 he killed a man named Georg Blumberg, possibly in a duel. He was courtmartialled on 3 July and sentenced to death. However on 24 Dec his death sentence was commuted by King Christian of Denmark to life imprisonment at Munkholmen. By August the following year he was pardoned and returned to active duty. (The king's direct intervention has been considered as evidence supporting Andreas' illegitimate descent from royalty).

    He was appointed "Attendant" at Bergenhus on 16 Aug 1733, assisting Captain Schultz, the custodian (Guard Lieutenant) of the castle. A year later (19 Nov 1734) he took over from Captain Schultz, and held the post for nearly 20 years, though he was not (re)promoted to Captain until 12 Mar 1750. On 15 Sep 1753 he retired (or was dismissed), handing the post on to his son Hans Andreas.