Gustav I of Sweden
Photo: Jacob Binck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons23

Gustav I of Sweden

King of Sweden from 1523 to 1560

Gustav Eriksson Vasa (12 May 1496 – 29 September 1560), also known as Gustav I, was King of Sweden from 1523 until his death in 1560. He was previously self-recognised Protector of the Realm (Riksföreståndare) from 1521, during the Swedish War of Liberation against King Christian II of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Gustav I of Sweden (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born May 21, 1496, died Sep 29, 1560.1

About

Gustav rose to lead this war following the Stockholm Bloodbath, where his father was executed. Gustav's election as king on 6 June 1523 (the future National Day of Sweden) and his triumphant entry into Stockholm eleven days later marked Sweden's final secession from the Kalmar Union.

During his reign, Gustav initiated the Protestant Swedish reformation, transformed the country from an elective to a hereditary monarchy and established a standing army and navy.

From Wikipedia’s article on Gustav I of Sweden, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedUppsala University3

Gustav Eriksson, a son of Cecilia Månsdotter Eka and Erik Johansson Vasa, was probably born in 1496. The birth most likely took place in Rydboholm Castle, northeast of Stockholm, the manor house of the father, Erik. The newborn got his name, Gustav, from Erik's grandfather Gustav Anundsson.

Erik Johansson's parents were Johan Kristersson and Birgitta Gustafsdotter of the dynasties Vasa and Sture respectively, both dynasties of high nobility. Birgitta Gustafsdotter was the sister of Sten Sture the Elder, regent of Sweden, and their mother was a half-sister of King Charles VIII of Sweden. Being a relative and ally of uncle Sten Sture, Erik inherited the regent's estates in Uppland and Södermanland when the latter died in 1503. Although a member of a family with considerable properties since childhood, Gustav Eriksson would later be the holder of possessions of a much greater dimension.

Both of Gustav's parents descended from Gregers, the illegitimate son of Birger Jarl; Gustav's father descended from Gregers through his maternal great-grandmother Margareta Karlsdotter, while Gustav's mother descended from him through her father Magnus Karlsson Eka. Additionally, Birgitta Gustafsdotter and Sten Sture (and consequently also Gustav) descended from King Sverker II of Sweden through King Sverker's granddaughter Benedikte Sunesdotter (who was married to Svantepolk Knutsson, son of Duke of Reval).

From Wikipedia’s article on Gustav I of Sweden (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: politician, monarch.15

  • 1523 to 1560Monarch of Sweden14
  • Date not recordedFounded Uppsala Castle4
  • Date not recordedFounded Vadstena Castle5
  • Date not recordedFounded Helsinki6
  • Date not recordedFounded Royal Stables of Sweden7
  • Date not recordedFounded Almare Stäkets herrgård8
  • Date not recordedFounded House of Vasa9
  • Date not recordedFounded Birger Jarls Tower10
  • Date not recordedFounded Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency11
  • Date not recordedFounded Gripsholm Castle12
  • Date not recordedFounded Church of Sweden13

Personal life

  • BornMay 21, 1496, Lindholmens16
  • DiedSep 29, 1560, Tre Kronor Castle17
  • CitizenshipSweden18
  • SpousesCatherine of Saxe-Lauenburg 1531 to 153519; Margaret Leijonhufvud 1536 to 155119; Catherine Stenbock 1552 to 156019

Gustav married his first wife, Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg (1513–1535), on 24 September 1531. They had one son:

Eric XIV (1533–1577), Duke of Kalmar

On 1 October 1536, Gustav married his second wife, Margaret Leijonhufvud (1514–1551). They had ten children:

John III (1537–1592), Duke of Finland

Catherine (1539–1610), married Edzard II, Count of East Frisia

Cecilia (1540–1627), married Christopher II, Margrave of Baden-Rodemachern

Magnus (1542–1595), Duke of Östergötland

Carl (1544)

Anna (1545–1610), married George John I, Count Palatine of Veldenz

Sten (1546–1547)

Sophia (1547–1611), married Magnus II, Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg

Elizabeth (1549–1598), married Christopher, Duke of Mecklenburg-Gadebusch

Charles IX (1550–1611), Duke of Södermanland

On 22 August 1552, Gustav married his third wife, Catherine Stenbock (1535–1621), at Vadstena Castle. The marriage produced no children.

From Wikipedia’s article on Gustav I of Sweden (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Awards

  • Date not recordedKnight of the Order of Saint Michael20

Sources

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