It is named after Harold D. Bier, a professor emeritus of chemistry at Texas Lutheran University.
The abbey was founded in 557 by Clotaire I on his manor of Crouy, near the villa of Syagrius, just outside the then boundaries of Soissons to house the remains of Saint Medard, the legend being that during the funeral procession the bier came to a standstill at Crouy and was impossible to move until the king had made a gift of the whole estate for the foundation of the abbey.
He is the son of businessman Jorge Gerdau Johannpeter, chairman of the Board of Directors of Gerdau, and Erica Bier.
In Voralberg is also a beer brand called Egger Bier, which is brewed by a brewery in Egg, Bregenzerwald.
Castrum doloris is a name for the structure and decorations sheltering or accompanying the catafalque or bier that signify the prestige or high estate of the deceased.
The 12th century chronicler Symeon of Durham recounts in his Libellus de exordio atque procurso istius, hoc est Dunhelmensis that after wandering in the north, Saint Cuthbert’s bier came to a miraculous halt at the hill of Warden Law and, despite the effort of the congregation, would not move.
A formidable individual in a tight spot (his battle cries have included "God send the Right!", "Kristmenn, Krossmenn, Kongsmenn!", and "Heineken Bier!") he prefers indulging in material luxuries to personal heroism, which is why he has employees.
He arrived too late to participate in the battle, but bore back the bier of Hador his lord and later went for a soldier.