# Christian II's land and town laws (1521–1522)

URL: https://allhistories.com/denmark/timeline/1522-christian-ii-s-land-and-town-laws
Themes: Key Events

In 1521–1522 Christian II issued two major codes, a Land Law and a Town Law, meant to modernise Danish society and strengthen royal authority at the expense of the nobility and the church. The laws sought to improve education, regulate trade in favour of Danish towns, restrict the sale of peasants in Zealand, limit clerical privileges and centralise justice under royal officials. They drew on humanist and Dutch models and on advice from Sigbrit Willoms. The reforms alarmed the nobles and bishops, and they were annulled after the king's fall in 1523.

## Why it matters
Christian II's laws were an ambitious attempt at a strong reforming monarchy that helped provoke his overthrow.

Ruler at the Time: [Christian II](https://allhistories.com/denmark/rulers/christian-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Christian II of Denmark](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_II_of_Denmark)
- [Wikipedia — Sigbrit Willoms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigbrit_Willoms)
- [Den Store Danske (lex.dk) — Christian 2.s Land- og Bylov 1522](https://lex.dk/Christian_2.s_Land-_og_Bylov_1522)
- [Aarhus University — The reform king Christian II](https://cas.au.dk/en/danish-history/modules/module-3-the-late-middle-ages-1340-1523/6-the-reform-king-christian-ii)