Formuende, middelmådige og fattige : den sosiale sammensetningen i Stavanger 1661 - 1801

Abstract

There have been no detailed studies of a Norwegian urban population covering the whole period of absolute monarchy in Denmark-Norway, from 1660 to 1814. This thesis examines the social structure of the population of Stavanger between 1661 and 1801. Population growth, occupational structure, distribution of wealth, and the size and structure of families and households have been reviewed. Any signs of social mobility upwards, sideways or downwards have also been examined. The medieval town of Stavanger, founded 1125, was originally one of the four clerical and secular administrative centres of Norway. Early in our period, this centre was relocated to the kings own town, Christiansand. At the same time, Stavanger was struck by a major fire and hurt by the disappearance of the abundance of fish off the coast; it lost its town-privileges and experienced a severe plague. During the whole period 1661–1801 Stavanger had little export, was dominated by Bergen in the north and Christiansand in the south and was in constant competition with the timber and grain farmers of Stavanger Amt (County). In analysing the results, both Stavanger’s own history and developments common for urban Norway of the period, as well as other external events, have been taken into consideration.