3-011-459 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Sweden: the Royal Palace of Gripsholm, on the Malar Lake, near Stockholm - from a sketch by our Special Artist, 1864. '...a view of Gripsholm Castle, where the Prince and Princess were entertained by the King of Sweden...It is situated on the Mälar Lake, about forty miles from Stockholm; and, with its red towers and black-capped roofs, is very striking as seen from the lake. It stands on a jutting piece of rock, with its base concealed from view by a fringe of birch till the visitor is entering the gateway...The castle of Gripsholm is of great antiquity. About the year 1380 it was founded by a chieftain with the suggestive name of Grip, who is said at that time to have held the third part of Sweden in his clutches. In 1537 it was restored or rebuilt by Gustavus Vasa, the towers, with the exception of the roofs, which were then somewhat different in shape, being erected as they now stand'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.