Foundation of the Pirita Convent, 1407–1436, in Swedish Sources
Foundation of the Pirita Convent, 1407–1436, in Swedish Sources

Summary/Abstract: This article is largely based on Swedish sources and examines the role of the Vadstena abbey in the history of the Pirita convent, from the founding of its daughter convent in 1407 until the consecration of the independent convent in 1431. Various aspects of the Vadstena abbey’s patronage are pointed out, revealing both a helpful attitude and interfering guidance. Vadstena paid more attention to Pirita than to other Birgittine monasteries and had many brothers and sisters of its monastery there. Such closeness to the mother monastery is a totally new phenomenon in the history of researching Pirita, and still needs more thorough analysis. Correspondence with Vadstena offers more detailed data about the merchants considered to be the founders of Pirita, whose origins have remained vague to this day.

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