Nils Lykke reports that Lady Inger is at Giske
DN 8/631 · 17 May 1530 · Fosen
What the letter says
Nils Lykke writes from Fosen on 17 May 1530 to Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson. During the night ten ships from Bergen came in to Kråkvåg, and with them Olav Eriksson, steward of the kitchen to his mother-in-law Lady Inger Ottesdatter, who said that Inger had come to Giske the Friday before and would soon come to Fosen. He also reported that King Frederick had written to Eske Bille that the deposed King Christian II was arming for an attack on Denmark or Norway. Finally Lykke asks for an answer about the bailiffs' accounts that the archbishop has promised him.
The letter in modern English (excerpt)
Most reverend father in God, my willing and loving service always humbly beforehand with our Lord. Gracious and especially dear lord. Your grace's dignity shall know that tonight at midnight ten ships from Bergen came in here to Kråkvåg. On one of them was Olav Eriksson, who is kjøkemester (household steward) to the honourable and well-born woman Lady Ingerd, my mother. He came straight up here to me tonight and told me that my mother Lady Ingerd came to Giske last Friday, and that she is expected here at any moment. God grant her good health and joy. He also told me that His Royal Majesty, our most gracious lord, has written to Lord Eske Bille that the high-born prince King Christian is said to be armed with great power and intends to attack these kingdoms, Denmark or Norway, and that letters and messages about this were at once on their way to Your Grace with further word. This news, which I have only just received, I lovingly and with good intent pass on to Your Grace, so that Your Grace may consider what must be done, and what may be most honourable, useful and best. When letters and sure word come, God willing, Your Grace may know more and act accordingly. In every way that I can be of humility, will and service to Your Grace, I will always be loving and willing. Dear lord, as regards the bailiffs' accounts that are still outstanding, I lovingly ask Your Grace that I may have word of them, as Your Grace has
Original text (excerpt)
Erwerdigeste ffader med gwd myn weluillig kerlige tieniste ethers naadis werdigheytt altyd ydmygeligen fforscreffuit med wor herre. gynstige beszynderlig kere herre maa ether naadis werdighet wyde att nw y natt om midtnattis tyd kom ther x skeb aff Bergenn oc her jnd till Kragewogh oc wor Oluff Erickssen szom wor erlig welbyrdig quinne ffrw Jngerd myn moders køgemester paa etth aff them oc kom hand strax y natt hyd vp till mig szagde mig ffor tyende att nw y ffredagx syst fforgongen wor ffor myn
Background
Nils Lykke was a Danish nobleman married to Eline, daughter of Lady Inger Ottesdatter of Austrått, and thus became brother-in-law of Vincens Lunge. The letter shows that Inger Ottesdatter used Giske as a stopping place on the journey along the coast from Bergen to Trøndelag, and that her family controlled the farm at this time. A kjøkemester was the steward responsible for food and supplies in a large household. Eske Bille was commander at Bergenhus after Lunge. The fear of Christian II was real: he came to Norway with a fleet in the autumn of 1531 and for a time had the support of the archbishop. The letter is a private letter with news, and such letters were the fastest way to spread political messages along the coast.
People: Ingerd Ottesdatter (fru Inger)