Its first certainly known male ancestor, Knight Peder Klasson (Sir Peder Fleming), is documented as being alive in 1406. He came from Denmark to Sweden during the early reign of king
Eric XIII of Sweden and is buried in the
Riddarholm Church,
Stockholm. He was probably son of a
Claus Fleming who between 1331 and 1354 is mentioned as
bailiff of
Barth in the
Pomeranian principality of Rügen (a Danish fief) and had in principle the same Coat of Arms. The name of the family denotes some of its origin to
Flanders. When having first settled in the eastern part of Sweden (modern-day Finland), they soon became assimilated with the country, having married from among natives and grown into local societal activities. They inherited
Louhisaari manor (in Swedish
Villnäs) in
Finland Proper (located in the modern-day municipality of
Masku). The family was one of the most prominent in Finland in the late Middle Ages and early modern period. The then head of the house, sir
Lars Fleming (died 1562), governor of the
Stockholm Palace, was among the first ones to ever be created
friherre in Sweden, which took place in the
coronation of
Eric XIV of Sweden on 29 June 1561. Baron Lars got the title
Baron of Nynes (
Nynäs) from one of his maternally inherited manors. His male line became extinct on 5 January 1569. His cousin, sir
Klaus Fleming (1535–1597), member of the
Privy Council of Sweden, afterwards
Lord High Admiral of Sweden,
Lord High Constable of Sweden (
marsk) and
Governor General of Finland, was created on 2 August 1569 baron of the
barony of Vik. His male line became extinct in the
Åbo Bloodbath on 10 November 1599. When the
Swedish House of Knights was established, the family of Fleming of Louhisaari,
noble since time immemorial, was registered there, under number 4 of untitled nobility. Sir Klas or
Claes Larsson Fleming (1592–1644), was an admiral and the first
Governor of Stockholm (1634–1644) after the office was instituted by the
Instrument of Government of 1634. His children were elevated to the
friherre rank on 26 March 1651 by queen
Christina of Sweden, with the title
Baron of Liebelitz, due to service and accomplishments of the late father. This lineage continues to present day. Sir Eric Fleming (1616–79), provincial governor, president, chamber councillor, afterwards
Marshal of Nobility (
lantmarskalken) was created
Baron of Lais on 12 May 1654 by queen
Christina of Sweden. His male line became extinct 29 July 1786. Widow and children of Baron Claes Fleming af Liebelitz (1649–85), Marshal of Nobility,
Lord High Treasurer of Sweden, president, a grandson of late sir Claes the admiral, were elevated on 10 December 1687 by king
Charles XI of Sweden to the
comital rank with the title
Count to all male-line descendants. Their male line became extinct on 15 November 1729. Baron Claes Adolf Fleming (1771–1831), councillor of state,
Lord High Constable of Sweden was created count on 11 May 1818, but he did not leave any surviving male descendants. Some members of the family still live in Sweden and the United States, but the line ended in the
Finnish House of Nobility in mid-19th century. == See also ==