Master blacksmith Magnus Nilsson is forging

Magnus is taking the opportunity to prepare in Gislöv for the upcoming Nordic Blacksmithing Championships. He has previously won two Swedish and one Nordic gold medals!

In the well-preserved forge adjacent to the small museum, you can meet the blacksmith and see his craftsmanship.

The exhibition "The Man on the Roof" refers to the weather vane on the adjacent school building, featuring a rider that we imagine was part of a rusthåll in Gislöv. The exhibition displays forged items associated with what a rusthåll is.

In a turbulent world, historical knowledge is crucial for understanding our present. The rusthåll was part of the Indelningsverket, an organizational system within the Swedish state and military based on natural economy. The military component was established by Charles XI in 1682.

The system was funded by the farmers as their tax to the state and also served as an organization to prevent rebellion and build loyalty during a time when Skåne was becoming Swedish. A rusthåll was a farm within the Indelningsverket whose tax obligation was replaced with the duty to maintain a mounted soldier for the cavalry. The owner of such a farm was called a rusthållare.

The rusthåll in Gislöv has ancient origins. Already in the 1684 Land Book, one can read about its organization. The approximately thirty farms were divided into ten rusthålls, which were maintained until the early 20th century when the Indelningsverket ended. The Gislöv Blacksmith Museum and Village Guild Association operates the museum. Members held a study circle on local rusthålls during the winter of 2007-2008, and much of the material for the exhibition was sourced from there.

Thanks to Österlens Museum and the association members for lending items for the exhibition.