Lidköping

Lidköping lies on the southern shore of Lake Vänern, where the river divides the town. Its charter was granted in 1446, and its old arms show a seated bishop. Around 1650 the town became part of Jakob De la Gardie's countship, but the crown recovered its administration in 1655. As compensation the count received permission to found a new town on the western bank. Building began in 1672, and in 1683 the crown united the two settlements and reclaimed them both.