Jasper Linde

Jasper Linde, also known as Kaspars Linde in Latvian, (, died in 1524), was Archbishop of Riga from to . He went down in history as a prudent and thrifty ruler, who fortified his main castles in Koknese, Rauna, and built a new fortress on an island in Lake Viļaka near the Russian border. He also improved the methods of training rural priests to address major shortcomings in the religious life of the peasantry.

Biography

Born in Westphalia (Northern Germany), he earned a master’s degree. In 1491, he became a canon of Riga. In 1497, he was elected dean of the cathedral chapter. In 1509, the chapter elected him archbishop, a decision confirmed by the Pope in Rome. Immediately afterward, he began organizing his lands and strengthening their defenses.

At the site of the Marienhausen Monastery (Viļaka), he built a strong stone castle on the lake island for defense against the Russians. He also reinforced Koknese and Rauna castles. In 1513, he ordered a printed prayer book for the priests of his churches.

He died in 1524 at his residence in Rauna Castle and was buried in Riga Cathedral.

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