Knut Alvsson's widow seeks to raise the common people
DN 8/463 · 23 Oktbr. 1502 · Kjöbenhavn
What the letter says
King Hans writes from Copenhagen on 23 October 1502 to herr Henrik Krummedike. He has heard that fru Mette, herr Knut Alvsson's widow, has sent messengers into Norway to get the common people to rise against Henrik and the king's other officers. Henrik is to win the common people over, so that they follow him when needed, and especially to help Knut Knutsson at Akershus if fru Mette or her estate steward tries to stir people to rebellion again.
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 special favour beforehand. Know, dear herr Henrik, that it has come to our ears that fru Mette, herr Knut Alvsson's widow, is said to have sent messengers into Norway and had the common people rise and gather to besiege and destroy you and other officers of ours in that country. Therefore we ask you kindly to win the common people of that country over to you and speak with them, so that they follow you and give you assistance when you call on them and there is need. In particular they are to come to the help and comfort of Knut Knutsson, our officer at Akershus, if fru Mette or her estate steward should raise the common people anew and make them rebellious. Do yourself whatever more is best for us, as you know is needed. We will always repay it kindly and gladly. With this we commend you to God. Written at our castle of Copenhagen on St Severinus' day [23 October] in the year 1502. Under our signet. Outside: To our beloved herr Henrik Krummedike, our man, councillor and officer at Båhus. On the back: About fru Mette.
Original text
Hanss met gudz nade Danmarcks Sueriges Noriges etc. konnyng hertug vdi Sleszuig Holtzsten Stormarn oc Dytmersken. Wor synderligh gunst till foren. Vider kiere her Henrick at oss er forekommet thet ffru Metthe her Knudh Alffssons effterlewersk skall haffue siith budh ind i Norige oc ladhe resæ och forsamle almwen till segh edher och andre vore embitzmen ther i landet at beligge oc forderffwe.
Background
Fru Mette Ivarsdatter (Dyre) was Knut Alvsson's second wife. The letter was written two months after Knut was killed, and it shows that the conflict did not end with his death. An ombudsmann was an estate steward who acted on behalf of a landowner, which suggests that Mette still had men and connections in Norway. Knut's estate had been adjudged to the Crown in August (DN 5/990), and the king probably feared that the widow could gather support among the farmers who had followed Knut.
People: Knut Alvsson