there are only three of these which, properly speaking, constitute a part
o f the town. The others contain either buildings connected with the
Admiralty, or fortifications to defend the inlet o f the sea.
The town is generally believed to have been founded in the 1 3 th
century by Birger Jaii, at that time Regent of the kingdom. It has
not been the royal residence for a much greater length of time than a
century. Before that period the Rings o f Sweden resided at Upsala.
As to the etymology of the word Stockholm, and the fabulous particulars
respecting King Agne, the son of Dag, who lived about the
year 250 of the Christian era, I refer those readers who are curious
about such things to the first volume of Eler’s Account of Stockholm,
where they will be amply gratified.
The most magnificent part of the city, and the place where the
greater number of public buildings are placed, is the central island
which constituted the original city o f Stockholm, Here are situated
the palace, the house of the nobles, the mint,' the exchange, the
hank, the post-office, the police-office, and several other public buildings
o f considerable consequence. Here also is the quay, and the harbour
where the shipping lies. This island is not far removed from the continent
upon the north side. A small island intervenes; On both sides o f which
the lake, Malar discharges itself into the neighbouring inlet o f the
Baltic with considerable impetuosity. The island is joined to the continent
by a very spacious and magnificent bridge; from about the centre
o f which the finest part o f the city may be seen. When you stand
upon this bridge and look south, the King’s palace immediately strikes
the eye, a building of immense extent, and seen with peculiar advantage
from the bridge. Towards the east, the inlet o f the Baltic
stretches itself before the eye covered with ships, and thick scattered
'tvithbarges plying from place to place under the direction of women;
for the boats at Stockholm are all fowed by women. Tour eye in
this direction is stopped b y the showy buildings on the Admiralty Isle,
and by the castle.
On the north end of the bridge there is a small square, in the centre
of which stands a statue of: Gustavus Adolphus on horseback, in bronze.
T he project o f erecting this statue was started in 1 7 5 7 , but in consequence
of many unforeseen difficulties, and the enormous expense, it
was not set up before the year 1 7 9 1 - This statue is considered as a
striking likeness o f Gustavus A.dolphus, and is admired by connoisseurs
as an excellent piece, of workmanship. Some faults indeed have been
pointed out; but I cannot say that I was struck with them even when
they were mentioned.
Upon the east side of this square is the opera-house, originally erected
by Gustavus III. and destined for the exhibition of Italian operas. But
for some time past all those performed in it are in the Swedish language.
This house occupies the whole side of the square, and though not very
splendid on the outside, is very elegant within. It was here that
Gustavus III. was shot by Ankerstrom in 17Q2, during the time of an
opera. Immediately after the shot was discharged, a cry of fire was
raised by the conspirators, to give them an opportunity of making their
escape during the confusion: but the project did not succeed. They
were all seized; though the only one put to death was Ankerstrom,
the actual assassin. For some time after this catastrophe the opera-house
was shut u p ; but it has been again open for several years.
- Immediately on the east side of the opera-house stands the Swedish
theatre, in which small Swedish plays, frequently translations from
the French, are acted. The house is very small, but neat. During the
continuance of an act, the only light in the house is the row o f lamps
destined to illuminate the stage; but at the end o f the act a lustre is
let down from the roof, and withdrawn again as soon as the acting
commences. This in so small a house has a good effect. The theatre
is seated somewhat differently from ours. The pit is divided into two
compartments, the one o f which farthest back is called the amphitheatre.
It is considered as one o f the best situations in the house. It
contains three rows o f seats, which are all numbered behind. These
numbers are put upon the tickets, and whatever number happens to be
upon your ticket, you must find out the same number in the amphitheatre,
and take your station accordingly.
On the west side o f the square is the palace of the Princess Sophia
H 2