Locum Abbey, originating as a foundation of Count Wilbrand of Hallermund in 1163, is settled from Volkenroda Abbey under the first abbot, Ekkehard.

An ancient account describes it as being "in loco horroris et vastæ solitudinis et prædonum et latronum commorationis" ("in a place of horror and a desert of solitude and a dwelling of thieves and brigands"); and adds that, after suffering much from want and from the barbarity of their neighbors, the monks in time brought the land into cultivation, and the people to the fear of God.

Loccum will very quickly grow wealthy under the direct protection of the Pope and the Emperor as an Imperial abbey (i.e., territorially independent).