August 19 in Swedish History
1252: Swedish statesman Birger Jarl and Uppsala archbishop Jarler put their seals under a letter, issued in Stockholm. This, together with the letter issued on the same spot earlier in the summer, is the reason why this year is often considered Stockholm’s birth year, and Birger Jarl is usually thought of as the founder of the city.

The first time 'Stokholm' (spelled without the 'c') is mentioned that year was in a letter signed by both Birger Jarl and his son, King Valdemar Birgersson, in July. The letter was a protective proclamation of a convent south of Stockholm, the so-called Vårfruberga or Fogdö Kloster, which was not closed until the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation under Gustav Vasa.

Accompany our contributor Leif Rosqvist on his Walkabout through Gamla Stan (Stockholm's Old Town): Walkabout Tour of Stockholm I

Gamla Stan: The Cultural Heart of Stockholm