Kristina Katarina Stenbock

1608–1650

The countess at Visingsö. Kristina Katarina Stenbock is the daughter of the Baron and Privy Councilor Gustaf Stenbock and Countess Beata Margareta Brahe. She meets Per Brahe the younger when she serves as lady’s maid to Queen Maria Eleonora and marry him soon after. Thus, Kristina Katarina becomes Countess of Sweden’s largest county. She often travels with her husband for his assignments, but Christmas and New Year are celebrated at Visingsborg. Per Brahe starts building Brahehus with the idea that it will function as a widow’s seat for Kristina Katarina. Unfortunately, she falls ill and dies in 1650, several years before her husband.

In his book of thoughts (diary), Per praises the countess for her endurance, generosity and cheerful manner. Their marriage is described as loving and together they have four children, of which only the eldest daughter reaches adulthood. Kristina Katarina is buried in Brahekyrkan, a church on Visingsö, next to her children.