Birger Persson (also spelled Birger Petersson; died 3 April 1327), known as Birger Persson of Finsta, was a Swedish magnate, knight, privy councillor, and the first lawspeaker of Uppland. He is best known as the father of Saint Bridget of Sweden (Heliga Birgitta) and as a co-drafter of the Law of Uppland (Upplandslagen).
Biography
Birger Persson belonged to the Finsta family (Finstaätten), a prominent noble lineage in medieval Sweden. His father was the knight Pehr (Per) Israelsson of Uppland. Birger attained knighthood around 1285 and later served as a member of the Swedish privy council (riksråd). He was appointed as Uppland's first lawspeaker (lagman), a position in which he collaborated with clerical figures to codify the Law of Uppland during the late 1290s.
Marriages and children
Birger Persson was married twice. His first wife was Kristina Johansdotter (died 1293), who was a niece of Saint Ingrid of Skännige. After her death, he married Ingeborg Bengtsdotter of the Folkunga family. From this second marriage, his daughter Birgitta Birgersdotter (c. 1303–1373) became the renowned mystic and saint, Saint Bridget of Sweden, founder of the Bridgettine Order.
Heraldry
Birger Persson is portrayed with several coats of arms. His tombstone in Uppsala Cathedral displays a shield with two lowered wings placed close together. His seal in medieval letters shows two wings with an upper base, well-separated at large intervals, between a six-leaved rose hanging in a garland-like object.
Death and legacy
Birger Persson died on 3 April 1327. He is buried in Uppsala Cathedral, where his tombstone, along with that of his wife Ingeborg and their children, remains. His contributions to Swedish law and his role as the father of Sweden's patron saint have secured his place in Swedish medieval history.
