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The Oldest Bygdelag in America - 1899

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Social Status in Norway in the 1800's

What was the social setting in Norway in the early 1800's?

Lowest: Beggars, menial laborers, many were orphans or illegitimate or both.
Hardly Better: The "good-for-nothing" Danish or Swedish soldiers stationed in Norway.
Next: Servants hired out at age 15 or younger.
Next: Husmenn and families (provided contract help on a farm).
Next: Craftsmen such as shoemakers, smiths, stonemasons, carpenters.
Next: Foderaad couples (who had turned over the farm to others), widows.
Next: Farm 'users' who were leasing small farms from the owners.
Next: Bonder, who's families owned their farms forever.
Next: School teachers, priests, civil officers.
Next: Nobility who were still largely Danish since Black Death times.
Next: Danish (later Swedish) royalty governing Norway.

Used with permission of Dr. Lawrence Opsahl, Toten Lag

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Last updated: October 29, 2000.