Reign 1448–1450 Died September 7, 1450 Name Catherine Bjurum | House Gumsehufvud Coronation 2 July 1448 Children Magdalena of Sweden | |
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Issue Margareta Karlsdotter (Bonde)
Magdalena Karlsdotter (Bonde)
Birgitta Karlsdotter Father Karl Ormsson (Gumsehuvud) Spouse Charles VIII of Sweden (m. 1438–1450) Place of burial Vadstena Abbey, Vadstena, Sweden Similar People Philippa of England, Bridget of Sweden, Catherine of Vadstena, Antonio Possevino, Magnus - Duke of Ostergotland | ||
Catherine of Bjurum, in her lifetime called Katarina Karlsdotter in Swedish, also Katarina Gumsehuvud (died 7 September 1450) was the Queen consort of Sweden from 1448 to 1450 and the Queen consort of Norway from 1449 to 1450. She was the second wife of Charles VIII of Sweden, I of Norway.
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Biography
She was the daughter of the nobleman Karl Ormsson (Gumsehuvud). She married theo Regent (and then widower) Charles on 5 October 1438, when she became first lady and functioned as Queen in a ceremonial sense until 1440, when her husband was replaced as regent. Before their marriage, dispensation was obtained from the Pope, as Catherine was related to Charles's first wife. This was to ensure that children born in the marriage would be regarded as legitimate.
In 1448, her spouse became regent again and then was crowned King. She was crowned Queen of Sweden in Uppsala Cathedral on 2 July 1448. The next year, her husband became King of Norway also, making her Queen of Norway. The marriage is described as very happy and resulted in nine children. It was said that "Their relationship had always been of the best kind". Their second daughter, Magdalene, married Ivar Axelsson (Tott), an uncle of Ingeborg Tott.
Queen Catherine was described as beautiful and cheerful; she created a nice environment and a relaxed atmosphere at court, and she was forthcoming to those who came seeking audience.
In 1450, she became one of many who died of the plague in Stockholm, and was deeply mourned by the king. She was buried in 1451 in Vadstena Abbey.