The History of GästriklandAbout 100-150 AD the people in the region started up small-scale bog ore refinements. With primitive, pot-like ovens and hard labour they managed to become one of the largest iron-producers in northern Europe. This type of iron production increased in importance and played a very important role during the Viking Age. With the christianising of Sweden, 1000-1200 AD, stone churches were constructed all around the region. It is also the first time the name 'Gästrikland' is used in history. During the 15th century, the nine parishes of the region formed a heterogeneous group. Together they succeded in creating a regional seal for Gästrikland. In 1446, Gävle received its town charter and became the first town in northern Sweden. Slowly the town grew and after some hundreds of years it had become the commercial hub of the north. From being a fishing village and a regional marketplace, it developed into one of the most important ports of Sweden, competing with both Stockholm and Göteborg. Through the years, great fires have destroyed Gävle several times. After the last fire in 1869, to prevent this from happening again, the town was re-planned. The city got its modern appearance with beautiful boulevards and large green areas and parks. The region's most important period, from an industrial point of view, started during the 17th century when the iron became the major export industry. This age was the dawn of the iron mills. Rich Walloons from the continent saw the opportunities of big business and moved to Gästrikland to start up large scale iron mills. It was during this time many of Gästrikland's villages got their iron mills: Gysinge, Axmar, Forsbacka, Edsken, Högbo etc. These investments from the continent gave good results, and Gästrikland became a large exporter of iron. The iron from Sweden and Gästrikland became famous because of its good quality. To increase the production, the mills were rationalised and extra working forces were obtained from south-eastern Belgium, the home of the Walloons. This is how the very special communities around the mills were created. The factory workers lived in small cottages close to the mills while, on the other hand, the owner or superintendent lived with his family in a large residence in the vicinity. "Brukssamhällena" - the mill communities, is a social phenomenon very typical for villages with a major dependence on the iron and forest industries. During the 19th century new iron processes were discovered and making it possible to use ore with less iron. This meant large changes for Gästrikland as the competition on the iron market increased. Gästrikland started to lose its number one position as iron producer, even though they still had the best quality of iron. These changes started a new era in the iron industry in Gästrikland. And this is why what Gästrikland has become today. The iron mill in Sandviken for example is now producing products for a special market and is making use of the high quality of iron from the region.  Useful information Quiz game Contents About... E-mail |