City Privileges

Receiving city privileges meant that a community received legal status with the right to conduct trade and crafts and establish a decision-making organization, a council, and to appoint a mayor and councilors.

Brätte probably received its privileges around 1585 from King Johan III. Two years later, Brätte was represented in parliament for the first time. The reason for receiving privileges at that time was the increasing transport of iron that passed through Brätte. More and more people settled there and became in need of the rights of a city. A city also provided income to the Crown because it paid taxes. The privileges were expanded in 1603 and 1619 when Brätte received larger lands, a city seal, its own priest, and more.