Upsal domains - Definition and Overview

Uppsala öd (Uppsala domains or wealth of Uppsala) referred to the network of royal estates that were the property of the Swedish crown.

Its origins are prehistoric and unknown. According to a tradition documented by Snorri Sturluson it was founded over 2 000 years ago by the god Frey when he settled at Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala) and founded the Temple at Uppsala.

Frey built a great temple at Upsal, made it his chief seat, and gave it all his taxes, his land, and goods. Then began the Upsal domains, which have remained ever since.[1] (http://www.northvegr.org/lore/heim/000_02.php)

In the medieval Swedish laws it is stated that the property belonged to the office of the king and that it could not be divided.

Its exact size is not known, but the Husbys were part of it, and several estates are named in the Law of Helsingia and in the Younger law of Westrogothia.

During the 13th century, the system became obsolete and parts of it were given away to the church and to nobility, in spite of it being against the law.

A selection of estates belonging to Uppsala öd

• Old Uppsala
• Husby at Vendel
• Old Sigtuna
• Husaby
• Ränninge on Fogdö
• Husby on Adelsö

Source: Nationalencyklopedin