Meet the Middle Ages
BackThe Castle of Kalmar
Towards the end of the 12th century, the Crown created strongholds in many parts of the country, especially on the borders. Two citadels were built in this region – one in Kalmar and one in Borgholm. The citadel in Kalmar may have been built by King Knut Eriksson between 1183 and 1185. Birger Brosa supervised the construction of it. Birger Brosa - who was the King’s nearest man - may have been the first bailiff at Kalmar Castle.
Kalmar Castle was rebuilt and improved on in the late 13th century to become the most illustrious of all castles in medieval Scandinavia. King Magnus Ladulås initiated the re-building which was extremely costly. Here, the most distinguished rulers of Europe were received and entertained. Kalmar Castle became the centre of power in south-eastern Sweden. Enemies who wanted to cross the border could be controlled from the strong fortifications.
During the 13th century castle counties were established around all the King’s castles. A Royal Bailiff was appointed to collect taxes. The County of Kalmar was at this time one of the most important counties in Sweden. During the 13th century it consisted of what is now called Kalmar County, as well as parts of the counties of Kronoberg, Jönköping and Östergötland. In the beginning of the 14th century, Öland became a county of its own under the Castle of Borgholm. Around 1360, Tjust became its own county under the Castle of Stäkeholm. The peasants of Möre were in frequent contact with the castle. Many of them came there to pay their taxes. Occasionally extra taxes were demanded to finance royal visits or important meetings. Such an occasion was the founding of the Kalmar Union in 1397. The peasants could also be forced to do labour at the castle. At times of unrest knights and soldiers were needed. The peasants could enrol by their own free will, but they could also be ordered to join the army.
Here are some of the royal bailiffs at Kalmar Castle:
1361 - 1366 Count Henrik of Holstein ruled the castle. From 1363 till 1365 his bailiff was called Herman van Owen. In 1366 King Albrecht of Mecklenburg took possession of the castle and in 1375 Bo Jonsson Grip took charge of it. During the years 1366 to 1389, Vicke van Vitzen the Elder was the bailiff. In 1390 Vicke van Vitzen the Younger handed over the castle to Queen Margareta. From 1396 to 1397 the Dane Anders Jacobsen Lunge was her bailiff. From 1403 to 1405 Sir Abraham Brodersson was Queen Margareta ´s bailiff at Kalmar Castle.