Meet the Middle Ages
BackHenrik Lassan
Henrik Lassan was a wealthy and distinguished merchant who lived in Kalmar towards the end of the 14th and at the beginning of the 15th centuries. At various times he was the Mayor of Kalmar. Henrik lived at the square in the centre of town in a large stone house with several storeys. The house measured 14 by 14 meters and its cellar had four chambers with vaulted ceilings. Henrik also owned some stalls in the market-place, as well as several plots of land at Smedjegatan.
Henrik Lassan originally came from the German town of Lübeck, and had many relatives in Kalmar. Henrik was one of the richest and most prominent men in town. On one occasion we know that he lent money to Rodwy the blood-letter, who kept one of Kalmar ´s bath-houses. She had to put up her own house as security for this loan. Probably the interest-rate was high as well.
When Henrik Lassan walked through the streets of Kalmar everyone could see that he was a gentleman. His splendid clothes were made from the finest fabrics, and he wore necklaces of bright pearls and chains.