King Hans wants Knut Alvsson's farms torn down
DN 8/455 · 28 Oktbr. 1501 · Kjöbenhavn
In the autumn of 1501 Knut Alvsson had joined the Swedish rebellion against King Hans. Here the king orders his farms torn down, so that his supporters would have no foothold in Norway.
What the letter says
King Hans writes from Copenhagen on 28 October 1501 to herr Henrik Krummedike. He has complained to the Council of the Realm in Norway that it sits still while herr Knut Alvsson's men come into the country, rob and kill the king's subjects. Now Mats Olsson is to take as many of Henrik's men as can be spared, together with servants and townsmen, go after Knut's servants and tear down Knut's farms, so that they have nowhere to take refuge. Henrik is to keep messengers inside Sweden to get warning of attacks, and to make sure there are good men in the castle.
The letter in modern English
Hans, by the grace of God king of Denmark, Sweden, [Norway etc.], duke of Schleswig, Holstein, Stormarn and [Dithmarschen]. Our favour beforehand. Dear herr Henrik, you should know that we have written to our council in Norway that it astonishes us that they sit so still and allow herr Knut Alvsson's men to come into Norway, rob, shoot and kill our subjects, as you will find in this copy enclosed [the copy has not survived]. Now we have chosen as best that Mats Olsson takes as many of your men as you can spare, and also other servants of our councillors and good men, and townsmen, and strikes at the said herr Knut's servants and tears down his farms, so that he and they shall have no refuge there. You shall always have messengers inside Sweden to hear and find out whether they mean to come against you with any force, so that you and those who are there are on guard against the enemies. See that this can be done as quickly as possible. Yesterday we also received sure news from Rome that a cardinal in Rome has won the bishopric of Linköping from Hemming Gad. We ask you to write to Mats Olsson that he send good, capable men up to the castle again, so that it is at least well guarded. Do here what is best for us, as we trust you. God be with you. Written at our castle of Copenhagen on the day of the apostles Simon and Jude [28 October] in the year 1501. Under our signet.
Original text
Hanss met gudz nade Danmarckes Sueriges [Norges etc. koning] hertug i Slesuig Holstenn Stormarenn oc [Ditmersken.] Wor gunst tillffornn. Kæræ her Henrich i mwæ vide at [wij] haf[fue] screffuit wort raad till i Norgæ at oss forwnder hwii the side saa stillæ oc tillstæde at her Knut Alssons folk drage saa jnd i Norge røffuer skyuder och slaar i hiell wore vndersottæ effter som i finde i thenne copie her indelucht.1 Tha haffue wij nw keyst thet fore thet bestæ at Mattes Olsson tager aff ederss
Background
Henrik Krummedike was commander of Båhus and one of King Hans's most important men in Norway. Mats Olsson was commander of Tønsberg. In the autumn of 1501 Knut Alvsson had joined the Swedish magnates who rebelled against King Hans, and men from his side were raiding into Norway from Sweden. The order to tear down Knut's farms shows that the king wanted to take away his footholds in the country. The news about Linköping concerns Hemming Gad, who had been elected bishop there and was a central figure on the Sture side in Sweden.
People: Knut Alvsson