The Swedish Tradition of State Care for Cultural Heritage

The Nordic countries are notable for their ancient practice of reasonable care historical monuments. There were no ‘laws’ in the strict sense – it was replaced by numerous royal decrees. decree King Sweden, made 1886, about patronage and protection antiquities had same goals as parliamentary act Sweden is a particularly good position, because state has long since taken over all country established principle that monuments artefacts uncovered excavations on private land do not come under custody owner, but subject care. At end 19th century possible to establish this direct legislation, due traditional custom have been incalculable benefit. In regard, Swedish legislation cultural heritage considered oldest world. tradition here goes back some four centuries. beginning 17th early 18th centuries, centralized with great imperial ambitions an important role justifying its patrimony formed.
 second half turning point monument conservation, resulting 1867 decree, which amended twice, 1873 1886. It reflects tendencies professionalization centralization preservation. complicated mechanism approving demolition during economic works. granting right investigate archaeological clarified. overall progressive nature regulations twentieth cannot inspire respect, even though whole conservation comprised until 1942 Comprehensive Monument Preservation Act adopted.