The Work

Most people in 16th and 17th century Sweden lived in the countryside and were farmers or engaged in forestry or other activities related to natural resources. In a town like Brätte, where trade and transport were central, other occupations dominated, although the townspeople also kept animals and cultivated crops.

Many had multiple sources of income, such as Brita Jönsson who, in addition to being an innkeeper with her husband (who was also a coppersmith), also rented out horses for transport on Edsvägen. Written sources from Brätte mention several professions, such as merchant, blacksmith, carpenter, brewer, hatter, tailor, skipper, sailor, field cutter, priest, bell-maker, schoolmaster, bookkeeper, city clerk, city bailiff, city servant, city guard, city musician, customs officer.