- Source: Battle of Blidebro
The Battle of Blidebro (Danish: Slaget ved Blidebro, Swedish: Slaget vid Blidebro) was a battle between Danish–German and Swedish–Holsteinian forces near Copenhagen in 1342 during the Kalundborg War. The battle ended in a Danish–German victory and it is estimated that 350 Swedes were killed in the initial action.
Background
In 1340, Valdemar IV of Denmark became king of a Denmark that was mortgaged to foreign powers, and Valdemar now set about to reunite Denmark.
The following year, 1341, Copenhagen and its surrounding areas were sold to Valdemar's enemy, Magnus Eriksson of Sweden, for 7,000 silver marks. In early Summer of 1342, Valdemar began besieging the Swedish fortification, however, the besieged enjoyed reinforcements of boats and manpower from both Magnus Eriksson and the German count, Markvard Stove.
Battle
However, now the knight, Frederick of Lochen, together with ships from the Hanseatic League, tried his luck in attacking the Swedish and Holstenian reinforcements at Blidebro on 26 June 1342. It became a bloody and tough battle. The battle ended in a complete Danish victory and the first major victory for Valdemar IV. Of the Swedish troops, it is said that 350 were left on the battlefield, including many chieftains, while the rest of the force deserted or fled to Vordingborg.
Aftermath
Because of his complete victory, Frederick of Lochen did not dare to stay in Denmark and left for Germany with gifts. However, this cannot have been immediately after the battle, since he is mentioned being in Kalundborg on 10 August 1342.
Place
It seems that the battle started at Refshalegrunden (near present-day Trekroner Fort) and thereafter drawn to the water between Zealand and Amager. However, it is uncertain weather the battle took place at land or at sea.
Legacy
The battle is later remembered in Copenhagen's Church of Our Lady's obituary as the Battle of Blidebro.
References
Works cited
Bøgh, Anders (2024). "Valdemar Atterdag, ca. 1321-1375". danmarkshistorien.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 2024-06-09.
Reinhardt, Christian (1880). Valdemar Atterdag og hans Kongegjerning (in Danish). Gad. p. 443.
Mollerup, V. (1875). Friedreick von Lochen (in Danish).
Nielsen, O. (1879). Kjøbenhavns historie og beskrivelse (PDF) (in Danish). Gads.
