Count Per Brahe the Younger | |
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Lord High Steward of Sweden | |
In office 1641–1680 | |
Preceded by | Gabriel Gustafsson Oxenstierna |
Succeeded by | Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie |
Governor-General of Finland | |
In office 1637–1640 | |
Preceded by | Gabriel Bengtsson Oxenstierna |
In office 1648–1654 | |
Succeeded by | Gustav Evertsson Horn |
Personal details | |
Born | Rydboholm Castle, Uppland | 18 February 1602
Died | 12 September 1680 Bogesund Palace, Sweden | (aged 78)
Residence(s) | Bogesund Palace, Visingsborg, Brahehus |
Count Per Brahe the Younger (18 February 1602 – 12 September 1680)[1] was a Swedish soldier, statesman, and author. He served as Privy Councillor from 1630, Lord High Steward from 1640, as well as Governor-General of Finland in 1637–1640 and 1648–1654.
Brahe fought in Prussia during the Polish War (1626–1629) and in Germany in 1630. However, his military activity later yielded to his political activity, and he held posts of Privy Councillor and Lord High Steward of Sweden. During the minority of Queen Christina (1632-1644) and after the death of King Charles X in 1660, he was one of the regents of Sweden.
During his time as Governor-General of Finland, he made large administrative reforms, introduced a postal system, improved and developed commerce and agriculture, and promoted education. He was the founder of the Royal Academy of Turku and the town of Raahe (Swedish: Brahestad), along with ten other new towns in Finland.