The king’s master shipwright assaulted at Bökman’s tavern!

A trial was held the 18th of December 1616 at the Stockholm small claims court. Johan Arendtsson, organist, stood accused of injuring Master Henrik Hybertsson and causing him pain and suffering. Johan was to be judged according to the laws regarding wounding (Såramålsbalken).

Witnesses testified under oath that Master Shipwright Henrik Hybertsson, Captain Söfring Hansson and Per Olsson were sitting together in Bökman’s tavern Johan approached the company and insulted Per. Harsh words flew back and forth, and when Henrik told Johan to go away, Johan hit him. The court fined Johan 14½ dalers, over three months’s salary for an ordinary sailor.