Bengtson Johann

Bengtson Johann archbishop of Upsal, was born in Sweden in 1417. He took the part of Christian of Oldenburg against Charles Canutson Bonde, proclaimed king under the name of Charles VIII, collected troops, fought against Charles, who withdrew to Dantzig, and obtained a bull of the pope in order to hold the reins of government until Christian should be called to the throne of Sweden. The archbishop having accorded an amnesty to the peasants revolting in the diocese of Upsal, Christian caused him to be arrested and conducted to Copenhagen. The dissatisfaction of the clergy and the complaints of the court of Rome were useless. Kettil, bishop of Linkoping, and parent of Bengtson, armed the insurgent peasants, and demanded the liberty of the archbishop. Charles Canutson, taking advantage of circumstances, returned to Sweden, where he was proclaimed king in 1464. Seconded by Kettil, Bengtson again put Charles to flight. The two prelates were then masters of the government. Kettil having died, Bengtson was sole administrator, and he alienated himself by his harshness. Charles was recalled the third time, and maintained his position on the throne until his death. Abandoned by his friends, the archbishop retired to the isle of Oeland, and died in 1467. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.