10 Facts About Jens Bjelke

Jens Bjelke was the son of Age Bjelke and Margrethe Thott.

Jens Bjelke continued his pursuit of literary works and wrote "Regarding Greenland" on the occasion of expeditions to rediscover that country.

Jamtland was returned to Norway in the peace treaty and Jens did not suffer seriously for the failed invasion of Sweden as he went on to become Chancellor of Norway.

Jens Bjelke held the office of Chancellor from 1614, was feudal overlord to Bergen from 1633, in Stavanger from 1641 and later on Elingard as well.

Jens Bjelke developed an interpretation of the ancient Norwegian laws, along with a recommendation that the older laws be revised.

Jens Bjelke's interpretation was used until Christian V of Denmark-Norway's Norwegian law revision was developed by a commission and approved in 1687.

Chancellor Jens Bjelke collaborated with Governor General Gregers Krabbe on several initiatives, including the construction of municipal granaries, fortifications along the border with Sweden and the fortification of Fredrikstad.

Jens Bjelke resigned from public service in 1646 and received the Mariekirkens rectory in Stavanger.

In 1634 Jens Bjelke published the first Norwegian dictionary.

Jens Bjelke had a total of 14 children, of whom 8 lived to maturity and survived him.