The Lord High Chancellor () was the effective head of government in Sweden, from 1538 to 1799, with periods of vacancy. The office holder was a member, and typically the leader, of the Privy Council. From 1634, the Lord High Chancellor was one of five Great Officers of the Realm, who were the most prominent members of the Privy Council and each presided over a branch of government—the Lord High Chancellor headed the Privy Council, making him the leader of the executive. In 1792, more than a century after the office's abolition in 1680, it was revived, but was then finally abolished again seven years later in 1799.
Origins During the Middle Ages, from the 13th century, the "chancellor of the King" was a close confidant of the King. The chancellor was often a cleric, inasmuch as that class were the most educated, and one part of his duty was to aid the King during negotiations with foreign powers. In 1560, during King Eric XIV's reign, Nils Gyllenstierna became the first to receive the title Rikskansler.
Function The Lord High Chancellor was appointed by the King and was assigned to ensure that the orders of the King and the Riksdag of the Estates were followed. Over time, the complexity of government increased beyond the Chancellor’s ability to manage it alone; thus, a cabinet, the Privy Council, had to be established. In 1634, the five Great Officers of the Realm were introduced as the chief Privy Councilors. Though notionally fourth in rank among these, the Lord High Chancellor became the most important figure in the Privy Council of Sweden. The Chancellor was responsible for maintaining relations with foreign powers. Axel Oxenstierna possessed massive influence during his tenure as Chancellor (1612–1654), when he became the effective head of government and functional leader of the Swedish Empire.
Abolition and revival of the office In 1680, King Charles XI abolished the office and inaugurated a new position instead – "President of the Chancellery" (Swedish: Kanslipresident). In 1792, during the minority reign of King Gustav IV Adolf the office of Rikskansler was revived, but it was abolished once again in 1799.
Lord High Chancellors of Sweden
First creation Portrait Name Lifespan Term began Term ended Monarch(s)Conrad von PyhyWith the title Överstekansler ("Supreme Chancellor"). – 15531 August 15381543Gustav INils Gyllenstierna1526 – 1601(aged 74–75)15601590Eric XIV(1560–1568)John III(1568–1590)Erik Sparre13 July 1550 – 20 March 1600(aged 49)159320 March 1600Sigismund Vasa(1593–1599)Charles IX(1599–1600)Svante Bielke1567 – 2 July 1609(aged 41–42)16022 July 1609Charles IXAxel Oxenstierna –6 January 161228 August 1654Gustav II Adolph(1612–1632)Christina(1632–1654)Erik Oxenstierna –28 August 165423 October 1656Charles X GustavMagnus Gabriel De la Gardie –13 February 166010 June 1680Charles XI
Second creation Portrait Name Lifespan Term began Term ended Monarch(s)Fredrik Sparre –16 July 179214 December 1799Gustav IV Adolph
See also King in Council (Sweden) Prime Minister of Sweden List of prime ministers of Sweden
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