Meet the Middle Ages
BackKalmar in the summer of 1397
The citizens of Kalmar had a hectic summer in 1397. Great things were happening. Visitors from many countries came to town. In the harbour, with its 90-meter-long quay, ships from all the Nordic countries were anchored. Västerport, the western town gate, was opened to let in prominent guests, noblemen and bishops, but also inquisitive peasants. The town, which normally had 2000 inhabitants, multiplied its population during these days. The streets were narrow and very crowded. At the market stalls, people were jostling. Jesters and minstrels performed at the square. There were people everywhere.
Kalmar was one of the most important towns in Sweden at the time. A great wall surrounded and protected the town. In the centre lay the huge Nicolai Church with tall spires which measured 60 metres. The harbour was deep - many foreign merchant ships anchored here. The Castle of Kalmar was one of south-Sweden ´s most impressive strongholds.
In the spring of 1397, an invitation was sent out and in no time, everyone knew what was about to happen. On June 17, 15-year-old Erik was crowned King and anointed with sacred oil. At the same ceremony, no less than 133 noblemen from all the Nordic countries were knighted.
After the coronation, people stayed on in town. The ruling noblemen had meetings to discuss the terms of the Union. At the same time, the new knights held tournaments with games and competitions among the strong and well-trained youths. Jesters performed, people bought and sold at the market. In Kalmar in the summer of 1397, the three Nordic countries established a Union. It was the largest kingdom in Europe.
At the end of July, when all the meetings were over and the deeds signed, people returned to their homes. In August, life in Kalmar returned to normal.