The bishop of Skara warns of a Sture rising in Vadsbo
DN 9/435 · 25 Septbr. 1497 · Husaby
What the letter says
On 25 September 1497 Bishop Brynjulf of Skara writes from Husaby to Henrik Krummedige, commander at Båhus. He reports that Sten Sture's supporters Anders Eriksson, Niels Olsson and Orm have held a thing in Vadsbo and promised the farmers lower taxes, and that several squires are planning to ravage Brynnolsbo and set 2000 to 3000 men before Husaby. He asks Krummedige to send up to a hundred men by water when the work at the castle is finished, and suggests that Sir Knut be told to get the part of Värmland that lies nearest Norway to pay homage to the king and punish the rebels.
The letter in modern English (excerpt)
Brynjulf, by the grace of God bishop of Skara. Friendly and loving greeting always beforehand with God. Especially good friend, Sir Henrik. You shall know as true news that Anders Eriksson, Niels Olsson and Orm have now held a thing with the common people in Vadsbo and promised them great relief in all taxes [uncertain interpretation], and with that they have lured them to follow them now, to the harm of you and us. Jørgen Karlsson, Erik Jensson, Sigge Larsson, Lindorm Bjørnsson and several squires are gathered in Vadsbo today. Their plan is first to burn and ravage Brynnolsbo and then set 2 or 3 thousand men here before Husaby. The others, one man from each house [uncertain interpretation], intend to go down against you. You must take account of that. Niels Olsson is here on the lake with some men by our boathouse. When you have finished your errand down there by the castle, a band of a hundred men or fewer could come by ship to Watzende. Then they could squeeze those who are here in our harbour. If the common people in the fief of Älvsborg had anything to resist with, those who have sworn loyalty to you ought to meet them halfway and defend themselves at home. Otherwise the rebels will force them out with them. Half of Värmland is sitting at home, and Sir Sten's bailiff Niels Jensson managed to turn them [uncertain interpretation]. As for the part that lies nearest Norway, it would be useful if Sir Knut were given written word, so that he could soon get them to pay homage to him (the king) and punish the others who have started t
Original text (excerpt)
Bryniolphus dei gracia episcopus Scarensis. Wenlich oc kerligh helsen altid forsend kerlighe met gud. Synnerligh gode wen her Henric mo j nw wide for sand tidande ath Andhers Ericson Niels Olson oc Orm haffwe nw tingath met almoghen j Waszbo oc haffuer loffuit them store affgifft aff alle vtlagher oc ther met haffwer han bewikt them ath the wille them nw følghe pa idhert argestæ oc worth Jørghen Karlson Eric Jenson, Sigge Larisson, Lindhorm Biør(n)son oc flere the knaber the ere forsamblede nw j
Background
The letter belongs to the same war as King Hans' letter about Älvsborg in August 1497, when Denmark-Norway fought Sten Sture for the Swedish throne. The bishop of Skara stood on King Hans' side and was threatened by farmers and squires who supported Sture. Sir Knut is Knut Alvsson of Tre Rosor, heir to Giske, who at that time commanded Norwegian forces on the border with Värmland. It is a private war letter with intelligence, and it shows how both sides tried to win over the farmers with promises of tax relief or threats of punishment. The letter mentions Knut only briefly and was included in the search because it shows his military role a few years before the rebellion against King Hans.
People: Knut Alvsson