The abbey of Affligem was founded in 1061 or 1062, by six hermits, a group of knights who repented of their violent way of life. Hermann II, Count Palatine of Lotharingia (1061-1085) and his guardian, Anno II, archbishop of Cologne (d. 1075) are considered official founders. The count Palatine donated the land on which to build the abbey church. The first St. Peter Church was erected in 1083. The Rule of St. Benedict was adopted in 1085 and the abbey was dedicated in 1086.