Chancellor of Norway explained

Post:Chancellor
Body:Norway
Native Name:Kansler av Norge
Residence:St Mary's Church, Oslo
Appointer:King of Norway
Formation:1266
First:Askatin
Last:Johan Frederik von Marschalck
Abolished:1679
Succession:Appointment

The Chancellor of Norway (modern Norwegian: Norges rikes kansler, "Chancellor of Norway's Realm") was the most important aide of the King of Norway during the Middle Ages, and during the Union with Denmark. He issued laws and regulations, and was responsible for day-to-day administration of the kingdom. From 1270, the Chancellor resided in Bergen. Haakon V of Norway moved the Chancellor's residence to Oslo; on 31 August 1314 the provost of St Mary's Church became Chancellor on a permanent basis. He was given the Great Seal of the Realm "for eternity." The Chancellors were originally chosen from the clergy but after 1542 the position was given to people from the nobility. The position lost its importance after Jens Bjelke's tenure, and was abolished in 1679.[1]

Chancellors of Norway

Kingdom of Norway (872–1397)

Kalmar Union

Denmark-Norway

Notes and References

  1. Jan Eivind Myhre, Edgeir Benum, Oslo bys historie: Byen ved festningen: fra 1536 til 1814, 1992
  2. Lorents Rynning: "Brunla læn og lensmænd" frai Historisk Tidsskrift rekke:5, bind 2, 1914, side 55.
  3. Encyclopedia: Johan Frederik von Marschalck . . Godal . Anne Marit . Anne Marit Godal . Norsk nettleksikon . Oslo . Norwegian. 19 February 2013.