Lendmann

Lendmann (plural lendmenn) (Old Norse lendr maðr), was a title in medieval Norway. Lendmann was the highest rank attainable in the hird of the Norwegian king, and a lendmann stood beneath only earls and kings. In the 13th century there were between 10 and 20 lendmenn at any one time.

The term lendr maðr is first mentioned in skald-poetry from the reign of king Olaf Haraldsson in the early 11th century. The lendmenn had military and police responsibilities for their districts. King Magnus Lagabøte abolished the title lendmann, and the lendmenn were given the title of Baron, in 1308 Haakon V abolished the title Baron as well.

The term lendmann is sometimes confused with lensmann, which is a title used in local administration (a policeman in smaller towns) in later centuries, however the two terms are not related.

In English historical literature and translations, lendmann is often translated as landed man.

References

• Knut Helle (1974). Norge blir en stat, 1130-1319, pp. 134-146. Universitetsforlaget.