Lord High Chancellor of Sweden

During the Middle Ages, from the 13th century, the "chancellor of the King" was a close confidant of the King. The chancellor was often a cleric, inasmuch as that class were the most educated, and one part of his duty was to aid the King during negotiations with foreign powers. In 1560, during King Eric XIV's reign, Nils Gyllenstierna became the first to receive the title Rikskansler. ==Function==

The Lord High Chancellor was appointed by the King and was assigned to ensure that the orders of the King and the Riksdag of the Estates were followed. Over time, the complexity of government increased beyond the Chancellor’s ability to manage it alone; thus, a cabinet, the Privy Council, had to be established. In 1634, the five Great Officers of the Realm were introduced as the chief Privy Councilors. Though notionally fourth in rank among these, the Lord High Chancellor became the most important figure in the Privy Council of Sweden. The Chancellor was responsible for maintaining relations with foreign powers. Axel Oxenstierna possessed massive influence during his tenure as Chancellor (1612–1654), when he became the effective head of government and functional leader of the Swedish Empire. ==Abolition and revival of the office==

In 1680, King Charles XI abolished the office and inaugurated a new position instead – "President of the Chancellery" (Swedish: Kanslipresident). In 1792, during the minority reign of King Gustav IV Adolph the office of Rikskansler was revived, but it was abolished once again in 1799. ==Lord High Chancellors of Sweden==

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