NOBILITY IN SWEDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 21 September 1929, Page 3 (Supplement)

NOBILITY IN SWEDEN.

FAMILIES' ASPIRATIONS*

Although nobility has to a great extent ceased to play any part iu Swedish political life—tho last person to be ennobled was Dr. Sven Hedin, in 1904—tha lure of a coat of arms is still strong. No fewer than thirty families aspire to obtain a seat in tho Houso of Nobles, basing their claims on ancient privileges conferred on their ancestors by Swedish kings centuries ago. Up to 1866 Sweden's political representation was based on four estates, nobility, clergy, burghers, and farmers, and at that time a noble titlo wq,s an important asset in politics. In the eighteenth century, when two parties —tho Hats and tha Bonnets —were rivals, many families obv. tained titles who could not afford to pay tho introduction fee at the House of Nobles. „ One reason why some of these .families are seeking recognition by the House of Nobles—which survives mostly aa a registration office and a meeting place of titled families —may be that' this House, has ; large funds of money i out of which, ah; g lowances are made to Sinco 1866, when tern—Senate and Housejrf introduced into haa oewed t* ba« vaiu*