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]

Chancellor of Norway
Kansler av Norge
ResidenceSt Mary's Church, Oslo
AppointerKing of Norway
Formation1266
First holderAskatin
Final holderJohan Frederik von Marschalck
Abolished1679
SuccessionAppointment
Ruins of St Mary's Church

Chancellors of Norway

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References

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