Meet the Middle Ages
BackKarl Knutsson Bonde
Karl Knutsson (1408-1470) was one of the most influential men in Sweden during the 15th century. He was elected King of Sweden three times. He reigned in 1448-57, in 1464-65 and in 1467-70. Karl Knutsson was very much at the centre of the merciless Union battles in the 1450 ´s. He played an active part in encouraging the Swedes to break the liaison with Denmark and Norway.
Karl Knutsson owned property in many parts of the country, with estates in Aspeland, Sevede and north Tjust. For some time he had his main residence at Fågelvik in the parish of Tryserum, north Tjust (present-day Östergötland).
Karl Knutsson became regent in 1438, when he was only 30 years old. Ten years later, in 1448, he attacked Sweden with an army from Finland in order to take power. Battles were fought in several parts of the country between the troops of Karl Knutsson and Union-friendly troops with both Danish and Swedish soldiers. Karl Knutsson was elected King of Sweden in 1448, but until his death in 1470, constant battles were fought between Union supporters and Karl Knutsson and his army. Sometimes Karl Knutsson reigned during these years, sometimes the Danish King ruled Sweden.
Aspeland and Sevede suffered during these battles at a number of occasions. In 1454, the town of Vimmerby was burned down by the army of King Kristian the 1st. A number of farms were destroyed as well. The farms owned by Karl Knutsson were often right in the middle of these battles. It must have been very hard to be one of Karl ´s tenant farmers during these dangerous and war-threatened times.
Karl Knutsson was considered a harsh and heartless man. He was absolutely determined to have everything his own way.