King Hans asks for news of Knut Alvsson
DN 8/445 · 23 Oktbr. 1499 · Kjöbenhavn
What the letter says
On 23 October 1499 King Hans writes from Copenhagen to Sir Henrik Krummedike at Båhus. He announces that he is travelling to Funen around 6 November, so that Henrik can meet him there. The king asks Henrik to find out what Sir Knut Alvsson is up to, and who it is that makes the common people so unwilling.
The letter in modern English (excerpt)
Hans [etc., exactly as in the preceding number]. Dear Sir Henrik, you shall know that with God's help we intended to leave this land on the Wednesday before Martinmas (11 November) now coming, and cross over to Funen. You can arrange yourself accordingly, if you wish to speak with us. Dear Sir Henrik, we ask you kindly to find out what Sir Knut Alvsson is up to, and whether you could learn who it may be that makes the common people so unwilling. In this you do us a special service, which we will gladly repay. We commend you to God. Written in Copenhagen on St Severinus' Day (23 October) 1499. Under our signet. Endorsement: Address: To our beloved Sir Henrik Krummedike, knight, our official at Båhus.
Original text (excerpt)
Hans [etc. aldeles som foregaaende No.] Kære her Henrich maa i vidæ at wij actte met gudz hielp at giffue oss her aff landet othensdagenn nest fore sancti Morthens dag først kommendes oc ind i Fywnn ther *i mwe i rette ether effther om i vele ware oss till ordz. Kære her Henrich bede wij ether kerligenn ati lade forfare hwat her Knud Alffson haffuer fore hender oc om i kwnne at wide fange hwo thet maa wore ther almwen skall gøre swa vwilligh. Ther met gøre i oss sønnerligen till vilge oc forskyl
Background
Knut Alvsson of Tre Rosor was the son of Alv Knutsson and owner of Giske, and he was one of the most powerful noblemen in Norway. In the years before 1500 mistrust grew between him and King Hans, and the king suspected him of being behind the discontent among the farmers. Henrik Krummedike was the king's commander at Båhus and Knut's rival. The letter is a royal letter and shows that as early as 1499 the king had Knut watched. Two years later Knut rebelled together with the Swedes, and in 1502 he was killed under safe conduct near Oslo. After his death he was declared an outlaw, and that had consequences for the inheritance after him, Giske included.
People: Knut Alvsson