Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - VI. Period of the Union, 1389–1531 - D. Sten Sture the Younger and Christian II
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The Stockholm Massacre 97
carrying on her husband’s work. She assumed com-
mand of Stockholm Castle. She held back her tears
and encouraged the burghers to make a brave defense.
When Christian’s attack on the capital failed, he began
with fair promises to induce the city’s defenders to
yield. He promised to forgive all opposition he had
encountered, and guaranteed their law and justice to
all the inhabitants of the land. Then the capital yielded
and surrendered in the fall of 1520, and Christian was
solemnly crowned king of Sweden.
The Massacre of Stockholm. Christian II was now
king of Sweden. "Now," he thought, "I will crush the
stubborn nobility of Sweden, crush them so they will
never again be able to raise an insurrection."
On account of the coronation ceremonies the fore-
most men of the kingdom were assembled in Stockholm.
The day after the coronation, November 7, Christian
summoned them to meet him in the castle. No one sus-
pected what was coming. But the purpose was made
plain, when Gustav Trolle appeared before the king
and demanded that all who had taken part in his depo-
sition should be summarily punished. Then more than
one face paled, and a shudder passed through the hall.
There followed an inquiry and trial of those present,
who were all detained in the castle till the next day.
A tribunal was constituted, which condemned to death
all those accused. On the same day, November 8, 1520,
there were beheaded in the Great Square (or Market)
in Stockholm more than eighty persons, councilmen
and other influential men. A number of burghers were
snatched from their labors, hurried off to the Square,
and put to death without a trial. This ghastly event
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