Meet the Middle Ages
BackBo Jonsson Grip
Bo Jonsson Grip (1330-1386) became the richest and most powerful man that Sweden has ever had. At the time of his death, he controlled both manors and castles as well as land equal to two thirds of Sweden ´s territory. King Magnus was not wealthy and Bo Jonsson Grip, who belonged to a rich aristocratic family, had the opportunity to lend the King money. The King could not repay Bo Jonsson, so he gave him castles and manors instead.
Bo Jonsson was the "Drots", that is the man who saw to it that the laws of the country were followed. He was the King ´s closest ally. Bo Jonsson was not at all pleased with how Magnus Eriksson ruled the country. He did not like the ever-increasing taxes, and he did not like that the noblemen were losing their influence. He supported the uprising against King Magnus. He himself travelled to Mecklenburg to ask Albrekt to become the new King.
During the reign of King Albrekt, Bo Jonsson became even richer. He acquired more and more property. He was really the ruler of the country. In the end, he had the power over three thirds of the kingdom; Finland, Norrland, the Castle of Stockholm, the Castle Counties of Nyköping, Stegeborg, Stegeholm and Kalmar, as well as parts of Västergötland and Bergslagen. Most people in the country were dependent on Bo Jonsson Grip.
There are many stories about Bo Jonsson Grip and of how he became such a wealthy and powerful man. He married a woman from a rich family, Margareta Porse. She died in childbirth at the Castle of Kalmar. It has been told that Bo Jonsson had the infant son cut out of Margareta ´s dead body, so that he could inherit his wife´s wealth.
By being cunning and cruel, Bo Jonsson gained control over a growing number of manors and castles. He was a shrewd and clever man. It must have been very hard to be a humble peasant under Bo Jonsson Grip, having to pay taxes to his bailiff or manager.
Bo Jonsson Grip died at the height of his power in 1386. Who would now control his castles and manors? There was a lot of conflict on this matter between his sons, the King, and the noblemen. Battles were fought all over the country. The nobility asked Margareta to take power in Sweden. And so she did, at the Battle of Falköping in 1389.