Magnus Brahe (1564–1633)

Who was Magnus Brahe (1564–1633)?

Count Magnus Brahe (1564–1633) was a Swedish noble. Being both Lord High Constable and Lord High Steward of Sweden, he was a notable figure in the 17th century Sweden.

Magnus Brahe, a son of Per Brahe the Elder and Beata Stenbock, was born at Tynnelsö Palace on 25 September 1564. He became a chamberlain of King Sigismund in 1590. Four years later, he left Sigismund and started to support Sigismund's cousin Duke Carl, who was an enemy of Sigismund and challenged the king for the throne. Brahe received various important assignments from Duke Carl, and eventually, in 1602, Brahe became Lord High Constable and a member of the Swedish Privy Council.

Brahe's older brothers had supported Sigismund which led to them losing the Visingsborg County. Having been a trustful supporter of Duke Carl, who became regent of Sweden in 1599 and king 1604, Brahe was declared Count of Visingsborg instead. When King Carl IX died and was succeeded by his son Gustavus Adolphus in 1611, Brahe remained a close confidant of the new king. The same year, he was appointed Lord High Steward, becoming arguably the most prominent member of the Privy Council.

Brahe married Countess Brita Stensdotter Leijonhufvud at Gräfsnäs Palace on 10 November 1594. They were parents of Ebba Brahe, who was the subject of king Gustav Adolphus' love. The countess died in 1611, and Brahe remarried at Strömsholm Palace on 18 October 1618, this time with Baroness Helena Bielke.