Gladsax

Gladsax lies inland from the coast of southeastern Scania. Its parish church has parts dating from the late twelfth century, while an estate beside it became the site of a royal castle. Gladsaxehus controlled a district that included the nearby town of Simrishamn, giving the crown a foothold in a region of rival ecclesiastical and noble influence.

In 1398 Ide Pedersdatter Falk left her estate for a proposed convent and named Queen Margaret as executor. The intended convent was instead established at Gavnø on Zealand, with papal approval, and Gladsax was converted into a fortified royal seat. For more than two centuries the castle housed the officials who governed Gladsax's district, until changes in administration brought its importance to an end.