Bengt Birgersson

Bengt Birgersson (1254 – 25 May 1291) was the youngest son of Birger Jarl. He embarked on an ecclesiastical career, becoming the Archdeacon of Linköping in 1273, the Canon of Uppsala in 1275, and the Bishop of Linköping in 1286. When open war broke out between his brothers, King Valdemar and Duke Magnus, Bengt sided with Magnus. After Magnus became King of Sweden in 1275, Bengt served as his chancellor. In 1284, he was granted the title of Duke of Finland.

Early life
Bengt Birgersson was a member of the House of Bjelbo (Folkungaätten). He was the youngest son of Birger Magnusson (Birger Jarl), de facto ruler of Sweden from 1250 to 1266. His mother was Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, daughter of Eric X of Sweden and sister of King Eric XI of Sweden. Two of his brothers, Valdemar and Magnus III, later became kings of Sweden.

Career
He pursued an ecclesiastical career. While he was Archdeacon of Linköping Cathedral, he became chancellor to his brother, King Magnus. In 1284, some time after the death of his brother Eric, and during the reign of Magnus, he was made Duke of Finland. He was the first known holder of that title. It is believed that the title did not include any fief. He is not known to have ever visited Finland, although he may have had responsibilities there related to the defence of Sweden's eastern borderlands.

In 1286 he was elected Bishop of Linköping. Linköping's chronicle of bishops from 1523 tells of him: "Scriptores rerum suecicarum medii ævi". There exist at least two of his wills, from 1287 and 1289. When King Magnus died in 1290, Bengt assumed a role in the regency of the underage King Birger. However, he died from the plague just a half year later. He is buried in Linköping Catheral.