Reins Abbey 1 (Duke Skule)

Reine is an old farm, dating right back to the time of Harald Fairhair. Skule Bårdsson became the owner of the farm in the early 13th century. In 1226 Skule lay dangerously ill in Nidaros, he promised that if he recovered, he would give Rein to the church for use as a monastery. He recovered and built a stone church and appointed his sister Sigrid as abbess of the Abbey. Duke Skule’s daughter Margrete was married off to King Håkon Håkonsson. Duke Skule wanted more power so he crowned himself King. He managed this by stealing Olav’s casket from Nidaros Cathederal and transporting it to Øretinget where he was hailed King. Of course, there was then a war between Duke. Skule and King Håkon. The war ended when Duke Skule was killed at Elgeseter Abbey. Queen Margrete lived out the rest of her years at Rein Abbey.