History of Askersund

The history of Askersund originates from the Viking Period. Around 900 a.d. funeral pyres burned by the stream beside Husabergs point. The burial grounds here were excavated at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Bronze buckles and spearheads were unearthed.

Norra Vätterns district, as this area is sometimes known, is considered as one of Närke County´s oldest inhabited areas. The Name Askersund was first mentioned in a Papal letter in 1314.

“Ash grove by the sound"

The name Askersund originates from the word “aeske" or “aska" which was the description for an ash grove. The community was situated on a sound or strait that was surrounded by ash trees and therefore became known as “ash grove by the sound" and eventually Askersund.

The community grew and provided for itself through producing tacks and nails. Iron was accessible in the vicinity in the areas around Åmmeberg and Lerbäck, The Western Mountain.

Market town

In the middle of the 14th century the “Bergsmän", those who initiated iron production, received permission from the ruling King, Magnus Eriksson to extract iron. The area around Askersund became vital to Swedish iron production in the Middle Ages.

The King Gustav Vasa visited Askersund in 1550. The reason for this visit was that the Bergsmän delivered poor quality iron. Gustav Vasa thought that Askersund had a natural harbour and connections out to Lake Vättern and furthermore was situated between the poorly accessible and dangerous wilderness areas of Tiveden and Tylö Forests. The King decided that Askersund should become a market town. Two markets should take place per year, and these Spring and Autumn Markets still take place today.

Askersund received its city charter from Queen Christina´s Guardian government on 13 july, 1643. The Coat of Arms depicts a Blacksmith with a raised hammer.

Great fire in Askersund

On the 6th June, 1776, the whole city burnt to the ground with the exception of 8 or 9 of the poorest houses. The fire started around lunchtime in Judge Qvist´s barn in the area of South Bergen. The weather conditions were very poor with almost hurricane strength winds. By the next day, the whole town was destroyed.

Through contributions from the State and many voluntary donations, a new town was completed in ten years on the site of the old Askersund.

Foto: Ullabritt Jonsson

Sidansvarig ej angiven - sidan ändrad 2011-03-18