Norway

Maps

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  1701 A system of geography by Herman Moll - Sweden and Norway.jpg

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

BRITTAINE being described as faithfully as wee could, that Northerne part of the world now followeth in our method, which the Ancients did call Scandia and Scandinavia, Pliny calleth it the Nurser of Nations, and the receptacle of people of a great stature. That part which is neerest to the farthest Northerne shore of Germanie, is distinguished at this time into the three Kingdomes of Norwey, Swethland, and Denmarke.* 1.1 Norwey or Norwegia commeth in the first place to be viewed.* 1.2 The Etymologie whereof is easie to be knowne; for it is so called from Nord which signifieth the North, and Weg which signifies a way, as if wee should say, the Northway, or Northerne Countrey. It hath on the South Denmarke, on the West the Sea, on the East Sweth-land, and it is bounded on the North with Lapland, from which it is parted with high and rugged Mountaines, covered over with continuall snow. All the Countrie toward the West is unpassable by reason of rocks and sharpe cliffes, and it is also stony toward the South, especially in that part which lyeth against the Cimbrick Chersonesus, from whence it is 250 miles distant. But all the Countrie both toward the West and South hath a gentle Ayre, for the Sea is not frozen, neither doe the Snowes lye long.* 1.3 And though the Countrie it selfe bee not so fertile, that it is able to furnish the Inhabitants with foode: yet it aboundeth with cattell and wilde beasts, as white Beares of an unusuall bignesse, Beavers and innumerable other.* 1.4 Norwey was somtime a very flourishing, Kingdome, under the jurisdiction whereof were Denmarke and the Isles of the Sea, untill it came to be govern'd by hereditarie succession. Afterward in the Interregnum it was agreed upon by the consent of the Nobles, that the Kings should bee chosen by election. From Suthdager the second to Christierne the last, there were 45 Kings. Now it is under the command of Denmarke. There are at this time in it five royall Castles, and so many speciall Provinces, whereof the first and farthest toward the South is Bahusia, or Bay. The Townes subject unto it are Marstand,* 1.5 seated on a rocky Peninsula, and famous for herring-fishing; and the Townes of lesser note, are Koengeef or Congel, neere Bahus and Oddewold, otherwise called Odwad. The second Castle is Aggerhusia, out of the Province whereof high Masts of ships, oaken and maple plankes and wood fit for building houses, is yearely carried into Spaine and other Countries. The Townes subject unto it are Astoia, the Seat of a Bishop, to which strangers doe chiefly resort, because there is held the Court whither causes are brought for triall out of all parts of Norwey. Also Tonsberg or Konningsberg, Fridrichstad, Saltzburgh, and Schin or Schon, where there are Mynes of Coppresse and Iron, also Hammaria the Greater and the Lesser, heretofore being Bishopricks, but now committed to the care of the Asloian Bishop, and divided by the Bay of Mosian, gliding betweene them. The third is the Castle Bergerhusia, under which are the Cities of Bergen, or Berga, and Staffanger. But Berga is the most famous Citie of all Norwey for traffique, and as it were the Barne thereof: heere resideth the Kings Lievtenant, and a Bishop; and heere that delicate fish is sold, which being taken neere the shore of Norwey, is called the fish of Bergen, being transported from hence by Merchants into divers Countries. Heere lye the Factors of the Vandals & the Sea Townes, who continuing heere all the yeare, for traffique sake, doe take up one part of the Citie, which the Inhabitants call the Bridge. Heere is also an excellent and safe Haven. The Citie Staffanger, although it have the same Governour with Bergen, yet it hath a Bishop peculiar to it selfe, and living therein. The fourth Castle is Nidrosia, called so from the River Nideros & Rosa, which is the name of a Temple, commonly called Trundtheim, and heretofore Trondon; it is the Metropolis of all Norwey, and now reduced into the forme of a Towne. It was the chiefe seat heretofore of the Archbishop, and of the whole Kingdome. It hath a large Jurisdiction, in which much fish and pretious skins are gotten, and afterward carried to Bergen to be sold. And heere is at this day a Cathedrall Church, and such a one as there is scarce an other like it in the Christian world, both for the largenesse of the stones, and for the carved worke. The Border and ground-worke about the Altar in this Church was burnt with fire, in the yeare 1530, and the losse redounding thereby was valued at seven thousand Crownes. The fifth and last Towre toward the North of Norwey is Wardbuise, standing on the little Island Ward; it is now very small, and almost decayed, having neither castle nor munition, yet hath it a little Towne adjoyning unto it, which consists all of fisher-mens houses. In this Towre or rather Cottage, the Kings Praefect liveth in Summer, and governeth this cold Northerne part of Norwey, even to the borders of Russia. Moreover the Westerne shore of Norwey (because it is of an unsearchable depth) in the Spring time is much troubled with Whales,* 1.6 to prevent whose violence, the ship-men use a kinde of Oyle made of Beavers stone, which is a present remedie, for assoone as it is cast into the Sea, and mingled with the water, straight-way that great Sea-monster maketh away and hideth himselfe in the deepe. Heere is good fishing in the neighbouring seas,* 1.7 & especially of Stock-fish, which being dried and hardened in the cold and hung up upon poles, they send into other Kingdomes of Europe.* 1.8 The best taking of them is in the Moneth of Ianuary: for as then in regard of the cold, they are more easily dried, so the sea doth yeeld more plenty of them and fatter. The commodities of this countrie in generall, are pretious Skins, Tallow, Butter, Hides, the fat of Whales, Tarre, Oake timber, Masts, and Planks and Boards of all sort, to the great commoditie of those who sell them. The Inhabitants are honest,* 1.9 loving and hospitable to strangers, neither have they robbers, theeves or Pirates among them.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

• NORWAY, which consisteth of

• Five Governments in SCANDINAVIA, viz.
  • Bahus, — Marstrand.
  • Aggerhus,
    • Opslo,
    • Schou:
  • Bergenhus,
    • Bergen,
    • Staffanger.
  • Trontheinhus, — Trontheinhus.
  • Wardhus, — Wardhus.
• And divers Lands and Isles, in the Northern Sea, and in AMERICA Artick, the chief of which are
  • Groneland, — Bearford.
  • Izland Isle,
    • Scalhold,
    • Holen,
    • Bellestead.
  • Farre Isle,— Farre,

THe Country of NORWAY is bounded on the North with Lippia, on the East with the Dofrine Mountains, which divide it from Sweden, and on all other sides with the Sea; on which, with a disproportionate breadth, it stretches its Coasts for 1300 miles in length. The Country is extreamly cold, being partly under the Frozen Zone, and partly so near it, that it all suffers under the inclemency of bitter Colds. It is for the most part Mountainous, full of vast Woods, and of a Soil so barren and ungrateful to the Husbandman, affording so little Corn, that on many places the people live on dried Fish instead of Bread, (known to us by the name of Stock-fish;) but the richer sort of people buy Corn of such Merchants as come to Trade with them. The principal Commodities that this Country affordeth, is great plenty of Firrs, Deal-boards, Timber, Tar, Masts, and Furniture for Shipping, also Stock-fish, Train-oyle, rich Furrs, Copper, Pipe-staves, &c. which the Inhabitants exchange for Corn, Cloths, Kersies, Lead, Tinn, Stockings, &c.

The Country is exceedingly annoyed with certain small Beasts about the bigness of a Mouse; by them called Lemmers, which at a certain time are so innumerable, that like Locusts they devour all the verdure of the Earth, and at a certain time die in heaps, which proves very noisom to the people, infecting the Air; and the Sea is as bad troubled with Whales. The Inhabitants are said to be just Dealers, punishers of Theft, and other Vices, and were accounted formerly great Warriors.

• 2.96This Kingdom is divided into five Governments, which take their names from the places where the Governours reside; in all which the Towns are exceeding thin, and the Houses as poor. The five Parts are as followeth.

BAHƲS, belonging to the Swedes, is the most Southward; * 2.97 the chief places are Bahus, the residence of the Governour, to which are subject the Towns of Congel, seated on the Sea, and of some Trade; and Marstrand, seated in a Demi-Island, of note for the great quantity of Herrings here caught.

AGGERHƲS, mounting towards the North, * 2.98 whose chief place or Castle is so called, to which these Towns following are subject,

• 1. Opslow, or Asloya, dignified with an Episcopal See, as also with the Courts of Judicature.
• 2. Schou, of good account for its Copper and Iron-Mines: and
• 3. Frederickstad.

BERGENHƲS, or BERGEN, whose chief place is so called, * 2.99 dignified with an Episcopal See, and the residence of the Governour, once a famous City of Trade, and one of the ancient Mart-Towns of Europe; yet still, by reason of its scituation at the bottom of a deep Arm of the Ocean, called (by them) Carmefunt, where it hath a commodious Port; is well frequented by Merchants, who bring them Corn, Bread, Wine, Beer, Aqua•vitae, and the like Commodities, to supply their wants; and in exchange take Stock-fish, Furs, Deals, Firrs, Cordage, Pitch, Masts, &c.

TRONTHEINHƲS, or TRONDENHƲS,* 2.100 whose chief place and Castle, where the Governour resideth is so called; it is dignified with the Metropolitan Archbishoprick of all Norway, once a fair City, as being the Seat of their Kings, till the Danes became Masters of this Country, who have reduced this City to a small Town.

WARDHƲS, seated beyond Cape Nort,* 2.101 which is the most Northern point of Europe. Its chief place and Castle, where the Governour resideth, except during the absence of the Sun, which is for about three Months in the year, is so called. This Town is serviceable to the King, because it was the Luppians, their Neighbours, as also commandeth the Natives; and profitable, because all the Ships going to Moscovy, must of necessity touch here.

To the Norwegian King do belong divers Lands and Isles in the Northern Sea,, and in America Artick; the chief of which are Groenland, Izland, Farre, &c. which I shall treat of in the Description of America.

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

NOrway is bounded on the North with Lappia, on the East with the Dofrine Mountains, on the other parts with the Seas.

The chief Commodities of this Country are Stock-Fish, Rich Furs, Train Oyl, and Tackling for Ships, as Masts, Cables, Deal-board, Fir, and the like.

Towns are here thin, and the Houses therein poor and miserable. The chief of those that are, is Nidrosia, the Archbishops Seat of Norway, Iceland, and Groenland. The second is Bergen, one of the four ancient Mart-Towns of Europe; the other three being London in England, Novograde in Moscovia, and Bruges in Flanders: and all these but London are decay'd, for this Bergen hath yielded to Wardhouse; Novograde, by reason of the Charge of Navigation through the Baltick into the Northern Passage, hath given way to St. Nicholas; and Bruges being deprived of her Traffick by Antwerp, it is now also removed to Amsterdam; for the Hollanders by blocking up the Haven, but especially by keeping of Bergen up Zome, have such a command over the River, that no Vessel can pass or repass without their License. But to proceed, Finmarch also appertaineth to this Kingdom and both to the Dane: the chief Cities are Saman, secondly Hielso, both Sea-towns, but the principal is Wardhouse, seated in the very Northern End of all the Country, being a Town of little Trade, but great Concourso of Shipping that this way are bound for Moscovia, which must needs touch here, and it is so called, as seated in a little Island called Ward.

• In Bergen in Norway the Common Weight is a Pound, the 100 l. of London hath been found to make here 92 l. but weighing with a Sling, as they do, is found to be very uncertain.

The Measure is …

The particulars of the Trade of this Country, here necessarily to be handled, I am inforced to omit, by reason of my Ignorance, therefore intreat the better experienc'd to supply my Defect therein.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

NORWAY, Norwegia.

ALTHO' some Mythological Writers derive the Name of this Country from Nor, the Son of the Idol Thor and Grand-child of Woden, vainly supposed to have been the first great Captain of the Norwegians; Nevertheless it is certain that Norway or Norwegen (as the Germans write the Word) signifies no more than the Northern Way or Road. And indeed in the Vulgar Tongue of the Natives, as also of the Danes and Swedes, it is commonly call'd Norrick, and by contraction Norck, i. e. The Northern Kingdom. Thus all the Cimbrian Kingdoms were anciently named Regna Norica, and these People are styl'd Nordliudi by Helmoldus, Nordliod or Nordeleut in the Northern Languages, denoting the People of the North.

The Kingdom of Norway is bounded on the North, West and South by the Ocean, and on the East by many small Lakes, and a long Chain of Mountains which separate it from Sweden, being extended from the 59th. Degree to the 71. of Latitude, and from the 23th. Degree of Longitude to the 52. so that the whole Continent takes up 1300 English Miles in Length, that is to say, from the entrance of the Baltick Sea almost to the North Cape, and 250 in its greatest Breadth. The Air is so extreme cold, more especially towards the North, that the Soil brings forth little Fruit. The Eastern side of the Country is full of Sands, craggy Rocks and inaccessible Mountains, as the Western is beset with large Gulphs and some Rivers, yet scarce any of them are Navigable, except that of Glama; insomuch that those parts are very thin Peopled, but in the Southern are greater store of Inhabitants who dwell in pleasant Valleys environ'd with barren and Rocky Hills, the Air being much more temperate there, as also all along the Western Coasts. The rest of the Country is overspread with Woods and Forests, abounding more especially in Fir Trees, furnishing a very considerable part of Europe with Deal-boards for the Building of Houses, and huge Masts for Ships. On the Northern and Western Coasts lye a great number of Islands, the most remarkable whereof are these, viz. Maghero, Suro, Samen, Trommes, Stegen, Lofoten, Hiteren, &c. Maginus makes mention of a certain Lake near Drontheim, the Waters of which are never Frozen, notwithstanding the excessive coldness of the Season; and near the Isle of Hiteren is a dangerous Whirl-pool, well known by the name of the Maelstroome, wherein Vessels are often swallowed up with their whole Cargo. Some other Islands depend in like manner on this Kingdom, as Iseland, Groenland, Spitsberg, Fero and Orkney; but the King of Denmark's pretensions to the two last have been relinquished, and his whole Right resign'd to James VI. King of Scotland, and afterward of the whole Island of Great Britain.

The ancient Inhabitants of Norway were very formidable, and notorious Pirats. For they made frequent Descents on the low Countries, Britain and France, and having subdu'd Neustria, a Province in the last Kingdom, impos'd on it the name of Normandy, insomuch that this Supplication was inserted in all the Litanies of those times, A furore Normannorum libera nos Domine; From the fury of the Normans Good Lord deliver us. It is also recorded in the History of the same Nation, that they over-ran Apulia, Sicily, Prussia, Hemi-Gallia and Carelsia, and settled Colonies in those several Countries; besides that it is generally believ'd that they Peopled Iseland after they had withdrawn themselves from the Dominions of Harald Harfager. However at this day the Seas are scarce any where so secure as on the Coasts of Norway, and the present Norwegians are naturally endu'd with much simplicity and integrity, entertaining Strangers with a great deal of Courtesie. They are also hardy, laborious and just in their Dealings, esteeming themselves much Superiour to the Danes, whom they ignominiously term Jutes, altho' constrain'd to submit to their Yoak: For the King of Denmark treats them rigorously enough, allowing them little or no Shipping, and seldom or never making use of any of this Nation in his Wars as being loth to trust them with Arms. The Christian Religion was first introduc'd into those parts by Olaus the Son of King Trigon, A. D. 955. and propagated by Harold in 1018. The Inhabitants of Norway now profess the same Religion as the Danes, as likewise do those of the Bordering Territories of Lapland, except some who adore the Sun, Fire, Forests, Serpents, &c. Indeed Lapland is the only place in Europe wherein are found any Idolaters.

The Revenues of his Danish Majesty in Norway amounting yearly to 800000 Rix-Dollars, proceed chiefly from the profit of the Fishing Trade, of which he receives a tenth part, as also from the Exportation of Timber of all kinds, Masts, Pitch and Tarr taken out of their Forests, by divers Nations, especially the English and Hollanders, between whom and this Prince several particular Treaties have been ratify'd on that account. Furthermore, the Mountains afford some Mines of Silver, Copper and Iron, which nevertheless are not very considerable: But the Valleys yield good store of Barley and Fodder to numerous Herds of Cattle, insomuch that great quantities of Hides, Tallow, Butter and Cheese are Exported thence every Year. Besides these Commodities there is a Staple Trade for Iron, Stock-fish, and Train-Oyl, which is vended throughout all the Countries of Europe. The whole Kingdom of Norway is commonly divided into two large Provinces, viz. the Norehern and Southern, and Govern'd by a Vice-Roy, or as they call him, Stadt-holder, sent thither by the Court of Denmark, who acts as it were an absolute Soveraign, and disposes of all things at his Pleasure. This Dignity is now enjoy'd by his high Excellency Count Guldenlieu, Natural Brother to the present King Christian V. There are also five other General Governours or Magistrates who preside over five several Provinces, and are assisted by many other inferiour Officers: The first of these is of Aggerhus, the second of Bergen, the third of Drontheim, the fourth of Wardhuys and the fifth of Bahus, altho this last place is now in the Possession of the Swedes.

NORWAY Divided into two Parts.

• 1. The Continent wherein are Five Governments.
  • 1. Aggerhus, in which are contain'd these Towns, &c. viz.
    • Anslo, Opslo, or Christiana Bish. Cap.
    • ...Scheen.
    • ...Moss.
    • ...Hollen.
    • ...Tolen.
    • ...Dosre.
    • ...Friderickstadt.
    • ...Gustal.
    • ...Hammar.
    • ...Tronsberg.
  • 2. Berghen, in which are
    • Berghen Bish. C.
    • ...Haluo.
    • ...Soyden.
    • ...Eiden.
    • ...Lund.
    • ...Jelso.
    • ...Hemeland.
    • ...Northolm.
    • ...Arnedal.
    • Staffanger, Bish.
  • 3. Drontheim, in which are these Towns, &c. viz.
    • Drontheim, Archbish. C.
    • ...Wisk.
    • ...Ostraford.
    • ...Malager.
    • ...Alenby.
    • ...Schordael.
    • ...Opdael.
    • ...Store.
    • ...Olsfeuk.
    • ...Melus.
    • ...Mellung.
    • ...Wardal.
    • ...Evene.
  • 4. Wardhus, in which are
    • Wardhus, Cap.
    • ...Hoop.
    • ...Tannebay.
    • ...Warangar.
    • ...Wesick.
  • 5. Bahus, in which are
    • Bahus, Cap.
    • ...Maelstrand.
    • ...Oddevalla.
    • ...Berg.
    • ...Feet.
    • ...Aremark.
    • ...Esberg.

• 2. The Principal Islands on the Western Coasts.
  • ...Maghero.
  • ...Suro.
  • ...Samin.
  • ...Trommes.
  • ...Stegen.
  • ...Loffoten.
  • ...Hitoren.

AGGERHƲS, Aggerhusia is a Castle situated on the Gulph of Anslo, within a League of the Town of that name. It has also given its name to the whole Province, and is memorable for the brave resistance it made against the Swedish Forces, in the Year 1567, that were shamefully beat back after they had laid Siege thereto 18 Weeks together. The Province of Aggerhus being 240 Miles long, affords a considerable Revenue in Fish and Timber to the King of Denmark. It is bounded on the North by Drontheim, on the South by the Sound, on the East by Bergen, on the West by the Territories of Sweden.

ANSLO, or OPSLO, Ansloa, Ansloga aut Christiania, is the Metropolis of the Government of Aggerhus, and the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Drentheim, from whence it is distant about 300 Miles, as also 60 North of Frederickstadt, 120 East of Berghen, 140 off Bahus, and only 35 from the Baltick Sea. This City owes its Foundation to King Harold, Contemporary with Sueno Esthrith King of Denmark, who frequently kept his Court there; but was miserably laid wast by a dreadful Fire which happen'd in the time of Christian IV. King of Denmark and Norway, who rebuilt it A. D. 1614, and gave it the name of Christiania, which is as yet retain'd among the Danes and others. Not long before, in the same Town, were celebrated the Nuptial Solemnities between James VI. King of Scotland, as also afterward of England, and Ann the Daughter of Frederick II. King of Denmark, on the 23d. day of November, A. D. 1589. In the City of Anslo is held the chief Court of Judicature for the whole Kingdom of Norway, all Causes and Suits at Law being there heard and determin'd before the Vice-Roy. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Alward, and in it is shewn the Sword of Haquin, one of their most ancient Monarchs, the Hilt whereof is made with Crystal, wrought and polish'd with most curious Workmanship.

HOLLEN is distant only half a Mile from Scheen, being a Parish very remarkable for a Burying-place on the Top of a Church dedicated to St. Michael, which is cut out of a high Rock, commonly call'd Vear, by the neighbouring Inhabitants, and situated on the Lake Nordsee. Olaus Wormius is of opinion that it was formerly an Heathenish Temple, but us'd by the Christians even upon the first planting of the true Religion in this Realm.

HAMMAR, or HAMMER, Hammaria stands about 20 German Miles Northward of Anslo, or Opslo, and was formerly dignified with a Bishop's See, which is now united to that of the same City of Anslo. Near this Town is the Island Moos, where (if we may give credit to the report of Olaus Magnus,) a monstrous Serpent always appears before any notable Revolution or Alteration in the State or Government of the Kingdom of Norway.

The Government or Diocess of BERGHEN, to the North of that of Aggerhuse, is the most fruitful and pleasantest part of the whole Continent of Norway, lying as it were in its heart or center. Its name being deriv'd from the noble Mart-Town of Berghen, or else from the strong Fort of Bergenhuse, or Palace of the Vice-Roy, at a small distance from Berghen Northward.

BERGHEN, Berga, the Capital Town of the Province of the same Denomination, is surrounded almost on all sides with high Mountains, whence it has its name, and seated on the winding Bay of Jeita Fioerd, about 60 German Miles by Land, and 100 by Sea North-West of Bahus; as many South-West of Drontheim; 70 West of Stockholm; almost 80 North-West of Cape Schagen, the outmost Promontory of Jutland; 30 East from the nearest Coasts of Scotland, and 220 from Wardhus, the most remote Northern Fortress of Norway. It is indeed the largest, most beautiful and populous City of the whole Kingdom, having obtain'd divers Privileges of the Kings of Denmark; so that it is become very famous for the resort of a great number of Merchants of different Nations, and more especially for its Traffick with the English, Hollanders, and Hanse-Towns of Germany, being defended by a strong Castle, built on the Western side of the Harbour, which is extremely commodious, and capable of containing Vessels of above 200 Tuns. It is also the usual place of residence of the Vice-Roy of Norway, and the See of a Prelate Suffragan to the Arch-Bishop of Drontheim. The Buildings not long ago were very mean and contemptible, consisting for the most part in Timber-work, and Thatch'd only on the Top with Turf, until of late the Hamburgers, Lubeckers, Hollanders, and other Traders in these Parts, caus'd the Town to be beautified with an Exchange, and a great number of fair private Houses. The peculiar Trade of this City lies in Stock-Fish, thence usually call'd by the Norway Merchants Berghen-visch, which are taken on these Coasts in the Month of January, and dry'd during the Winter-Season in the cold and sharp Air; besides that, divers sorts of Skins and Furs, together with vast quantities of Hides, Tallow, Butter, &c. are convey'd hither from all parts of Norway to be transported thence into other Countries; so that Berghen may well be esteem'd the Magazine and principal Mart-Town of the whole Kingdom. In the Year 1665, a Squadron of English Ships enter'd into the Port, and falling upon the Dutch East-India Fleet, would have certainly destroy'd it, had not the Winds been contrary; so that the Hollanders found means to draw their Cannon ashore for their defence.

STAFFANGER, Stafangria aut Stavangria, is situated in a Peninsula upon a spacious Bay of the German Ocean, full of small Islands, and guarded by the strong Fortress of Doeswick, about two English Miles from the Town, which is distant 90 Miles from Berghen to the South, and 60 from the Coasts of the Baltick Sea. The Harbour is very large and safe, and the Town, tho' of a small extent, is dignified with an Episcopal See, under the Metropolitan of Drontheim. In Civil Affairs it is subject to the Governour of Bergenhuse, and in Ecclesiastical to its own Bishop, who constantly resides therein. The whole Bishoprick is divided into several Destricts, viz. those of Stavangersleen, Dalarne, Jaren, Listerleen, Mandalsleen, Nedelesleen, and Abygdelag.

The third Government and Castle in the Kingdom of Norway is that of the City of DRONTHEIM, or TRONTHEIM, Nidrosia, which stands on the Coasts of the Northern Ocean, and at the Mouth of the River Nider, from whence its Latin name is derived; yet small Vessels can only pass into its Port, by reason of the Rocks that obstruct the entrance of the Barr. It is distant 75 German Miles from Berghen to the North, as also 120 from Stockholm, and has enjoy'd the Title of a Metropolitan Arch-Bishoprick ever since the time of Pope Eugenius III. It was heretofore a large City, and the Royal Seat of the ancient Kings of Norway, but its Grandeur is now very much impair'd, insomuch that lying every where open, and being destitute of Walls, Bulwarks and Trenches, it resembles a Village rather than a Town. It has also suffer'd much damage thro' many Conflagrations, particularly in 1522, and its stately Cathedral, dedicated to St. Olaus, which surpass'd in beauty all the Churches of the Northern Countries, was thereby reduc'd to Ashes, the Royal Palace being likewise decay'd, even below the meanness of an English Cottage. The City of Drontheim, together with the whole Government of the same name, was granted to the Swedes in the Treaty of Roschild, A. D. 1658, but the Danes expel'd them within a few Months after, and it has hitherto remain'd in the Possession of the King of Denmark, conformably to the Articles of another Treaty of Peace concluded at Copenhagen, in 1660.

WARDHƲS, Vardhusium, the Seat of the Fourth general Governour of Norway, is a Castle erected in the Island of Warda, lying on the Northern Coasts of Norway, about 120 Miles from the North-Cape, or most Northern Point of the Continent of Europe to the South-East, and scarcely 30 from the Confines of Moscovitish Lapland. It is of a small compass, not being fortified with any considerable Works, and at present almost ruin'd, whereto adjoyns a Street, consisting only in the Cottages of Fishermen.

The Island of Warda lies about two German Miles from the Continent of Finmark, and is extended near 12 English Miles in Circumference. The Inhabitants of this and some other adjacent Isles live together upon Stock-Fish dry'd in the Frost, having no manner of Bread nor Drink, but what is brought from other places.

FINMARCK, or Norwegian Lapland, Finmarchia, being a large Province of the Government of Wardhus, was perhaps the ancient Habitation of the Finni, mention'd by Tacitus, and is at present a spacious Desert without any Towns or Villages. The greater part of the Inhabitants are Idolaters and Adore a certain peculiar Deity, to whom they Sacrifice Cows and Sheep. During the Winter-Season, a Man would take them for wild Beasts, by reason that their Bodies are altogether cover'd with Skins, except that a small opening is left for their Eyes. They live in Tents, and some of them feed the Cattel whilst others are employ'd in Hunting, to the end, that they may sell their Skins and Furs to the Swedes. The Language, Manners, and Habit of these People, are the same as in Swedish Lapland, of which an Account is given in the Description of that Country.

BAHƲS, Bahusium, is a strong Fortress built on a small Island, made by the River Trolhetta, about two Danish Miles from Gotheburg to the North, three from the Coasts of the Ocean to the East, and 24 from Anslo to the South-East. The Foundation of it was first laid on a Rock by Haquin IV. King of Norway, about the Year 1309, and formerly appertain'd to the Jurisdiction of the King of Denmark, but has been possess'd by that of Sweden, together with the whole Government of the same name ever since the Year 1658, altho' the Danish Forces in vain attempted to re-take it, in 1678.

MAELSTRAND, or MAESTERLAND, Malstrandia aut Masterlandia, is the only remarkable Town of the Provinces of Wycksiden, within the limits of the Government of Bahus, and stands on a rocky Peninsusa almost encompass'd by the Sea, being also defended by a strong Castle built at the Mouth of the River Wener, which not far from thence falls into the Catgate. This Town was storm'd by the Danish Forces, A. D. 1676, and afterward restored to the Swedes, by virtue of a Treaty of Peace, ratified at Fountainbleau near Paris, in 1679. The adjacent Territory is noted for its great Trade in Herrings and other sorts of Sea-Fish.

There are some other Countries that depend on the Dominions of Norway, viz. Island, Groenland, and Spitsberg, together with the Isles of Schetland, Fero, and Orkney, whereof we shall treat in the Description of the Polar Lands.

A Chronological TABLE, shewing the Succession of the Kings of Norway.

	A. D.	Years.
1. Arold, Harold, or Arand I.		Reigned
2. Sueno, or Suein.	998	13
3. St. Olaus.	1011	20
4. Sueno.	1031	8
5. Magnus I.	1039	16
6. Herola, or Ervold.	1055	15
7. Magnus II.	1070	40
8. Magnus III. expell'd.	1110	28
9. Harold II.	1138	10
10. Magnus III. re-establish'd.	1148	10
11. Ingo, sir-nam'd Gibbus.	1158	18
12. An Interreign of Four Years, 1176.
13. Magnus IV.	1180	Reigned 52
14. Haquin, a Tyrant.	1232	31
15. Olaus, sir-nam'd Angosanus.	1263	17
16. Eric I.	1280	20
17. Haquin II.	1300	15
18. Magnus V. King of Sweden.	1315	11
19. Haquin III.	1326	2
20. Magnus VI.	1328	31
21. Haquin IV.	1359	16
22. Olaus III.	1375	13
23. Haquin and Margaret.	1389	about 23

The Kingdom of NORWAY was incorporated into that of Denmark, by the Marriage of Haquin and Margaret the Daughter of Waldemar III. the Danish Monarch, A. D. 1387. So that these two Kingdoms were thus united, and the Successors of Haquin have ever since born the Title (as he had done) of Kings of Denmark and Norway.