Henrich Krummedige

Henrich Krummedige
Krummedige owned Ellinge Manor
Born	circa 1464 Norway
Died	1530 (aged 65–66) Funen, Denmark
Nationality	Danish
Other names	Henrik or Hinrik Krummedike
Occupation	Danish National Councilor, Norwegian National Councilor, Fiefholder for various fiefs
Known for	Nobleman
Spouse(s)	Anne Jørgensdatter Rud
Parent(s)	Hartvig Krummedige

Henrich Krummedige (also recorded as Hinrik, Henrik or Henry with surname variations including Krummedike and Krummendiek), was born circa 1464 in Norway and died in 1530. He was a Danish-Norwegian nobleman and a member of both the Norwegian and Danish National Councils (Rigsråd) and played an extensive role in the politics of the era. He served as commanding officer of the Bohus Fortress in Norway from 1489 to 1503.

Krummedige was Hartvig Krummedige’s son by a second marriage. He is believed to have been born in Norway.

In about 1493 he married Anne Jørgensdatter Rud, daughter of Danish National Councilor Jørgen Mikkelsen Rud of Vedby and Kirstine Eriksdatter Rosenkrantz. His nephew was Otte Brahe, son of Sophie Rud.

In 1484 or 85 he was knighted and entered service in 1487 at Akershus Fortress. In 1489 he was placed in charge of the strategically important Norwegian border defense, Båhus Fortress. At the same time he was elevated to serve as a member of the Norwegian National Council (Rigsraad).

Upon the 1448 death of King Christopher of Bavaria, who was union king of Denmark (1440–1448), Sweden (1441–1448) and Norway (1442–1448), the Norwegian succession resulted in controversy. In Norway the new king had to be elected by the Norwegian National Council. There were effectively two parties in the Norwegian National Council: The pro-Danish party led by Hartvig Krummedige (then the commandant at Akershus) and Bishop Jens of Oslo, and the pro-Swedish party led by the Archbishop Alsak Bolt and Erik Saemundsson (then the commandant at Tønsberg Fortress). The pro-Danish party prevailed and Christian I of Denmark was elected king, although not without subsequent strife. Karl Knutsson invaded from Sweden and proceeded to Hamar, where he called a thing, and was “elected king” by Archbishop Bolt, Erik Saemundsson and others who assembled there. King Karl proceeded to Trøndelag. He then returned to Sweden, leaving Saemundsson as viceroy. Saemundsson invested Akershus, which was held by Krummedige, who still adhered to Christian I. Ultimately Saemundsson was killed by Krummedige, the leading pro-Swedish advocates fled to Sweden, and Karl Knutsson renounced his claim to the throne.