Battle of Stångebro

The Battle of Stångebro, known locally as Slaget vid Stångebro, is a fascinating chapter in Sweden's rich history, taking place on September 25, 1598, near the bridges Lilla and Stora Stångebro just east of Linköping. This battle was not only a pivotal military engagement but also the last internal and religious conflict fought on Swedish soil. It pitted Duke Charles, who would later become King Charles IX, against King Sigismund, who was both the King of Sweden and Poland. This dramatic clash ultimately decided the fate of the Swedish crown and marked a significant turning point in the country's history.

The Prelude to Battle

The conflict leading up to the Battle of Stångebro was deeply rooted in both political and religious tensions. On one side stood the Swedish Protestants, led by Duke Charles, and on the other, the Swedish Catholics, led by King Sigismund. The latter's forces were bolstered by a significant number of foreign soldiers. Adding to the complexity, King Sigismund was Duke Charles's nephew, and members of the same family found themselves on opposing sides.

The war against Sigismund had been brewing for months. Sigismund had recently claimed victory at the Battle of Stegeborg but had failed to capitalize on his success, eventually moving his troops to the Stångån river near Linköping. Duke Charles, with his battle-hungry army, pursued him, and both sides knew that a decisive confrontation was imminent.

The Battle Unfolds

As Duke Charles's forces positioned themselves on the eastern side of Stångån, Sigismund ordered his troops to cross the river and establish a position between the river and Charles's forces. A thick fog rising from the river added to the tension, obscuring visibility for both armies. Sigismund's soldiers taunted Duke Charles, calling him Karl buskekrypare (Charles the Bush Crawler).

After a long standoff, Sigismund's army grew restless. Guards were posted at the two bridges, Lilla and Stora Stångebro, and cannons were set up on the eastern side, while the rest of the force moved into Linköping. Some historians believe that Duke Charles had studied the enemy's movements and had received assistance from the mayor of Linköping. As Sigismund's soldiers marched into the city, the cathedral's great bell rang, signaling the Swedish forces to attack. It soon became evident that Duke Charles was well-informed about Sigismund's troop movements.

In a strategic move, Duke Charles sent a false proposal for negotiations, suggesting an unwanted battle. Sigismund's forces began to retreat towards their camp on the other side of the river. Two of Charles's officers, Anders Lennartsson and Samuel Nilsson, were ordered to lead a force towards Stora Stångebro to attack the retreating army from behind. Another force, led by Hans von Masenbach and Anders Nilsson, moved towards Lilla Stångebro. Although Sigismund's bridge guards managed to sound the alarm before being overpowered, the fog lifted, and visibility improved.

The Polish command dispatched Arvid Drake with Småland's cavalry towards Stora Stångebro and Västgöta's cavalry and infantry towards Lilla Stångebro. Sigismund's soldiers initially struggled, and Arvid Knutsson Drake's Småland cavalry was pushed back with heavy losses. Duke Charles's men captured their artillery and moved it to a height near Stora Stångebro.

Johan Gyllenstierna, a supporter of Sigismund and bearer of the noble banner, wanted to launch another attack on Stora Stångebro despite the dire situation. However, he was stopped by Lindorm Ribbing, who stated that the noble banner should only protect Sigismund. Gyllenstierna understood the message and held back, allowing Duke Charles to secure victory at Stora Stångebro.

The Aftermath

Meanwhile, fierce fighting continued at Lilla Stångebro. Sigismund's men had crossed the river and taken a strong position on a height on the eastern side, with their cannons behind a fence. The setup proved effective, forcing Duke Charles's attackers to retreat to a nearby height. A bloody battle ensued as Sigismund's soldiers pursued them.

Anders Lennartsson and his victorious troops from Stora Stångebro arrived to assist and immediately attacked Sigismund's infantry. Without cavalry support, Sigismund's foot soldiers were overwhelmed and massacred. Panic ensued as the remaining infantry fled towards the bridge, and Duke Charles seized Sigismund's artillery at Lilla Stångebro, gaining total control over the battle and forcing Sigismund's troops to flee.

In the aftermath of the battle, Duke Charles fell to the ground and thanked God for his victory. A messenger from Sigismund arrived to request a ceasefire. Duke Charles ordered a halt to the fighting, and negotiations began. One of Charles's first demands was the surrender of the exiled councilors Erik Sparre, Ture Bielke, Gustav and Sten Banér, and Göran Posse. Despite their pleas for Sigismund to save them, the king could not avoid Charles's demands.

The agreement between Sigismund and Charles stipulated that Sigismund would govern according to his assurances, withdraw the Polish army from Sweden, and convene a parliament. After the strict treaty, the king and duke dined together at Linköping Castle. However, a few days later, the Swedes were surprised to learn that the king had sailed back to Poland.

Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Stångebro marked a decisive point in the war against Sigismund. Following Sigismund's flight, Duke Charles gained greater control in his quest to depose the king and seize power for himself. In 1599, a parliament session officially deposed Sigismund, who never returned to his homeland. In Poland, he led a weak government until his death in 1632.

Several noblemen loyal to Sigismund were captured and later executed during the Linköping Bloodbath in 1600. The Battle of Stångebro thus stands as a crucial event in Swedish history, showcasing the dramatic struggle for power and the eventual establishment of Protestant dominance in the country.