Landskrá

Landskrá is a term originating from Old Norse, often translated as "land registry" or "land record." Historically, it referred to a collection of documents and information pertaining to land ownership, boundaries, and values within a specific region or kingdom. These records were crucial for administrative and legal purposes, serving as a basis for taxation, land distribution, and dispute resolution.

The creation and maintenance of landskrár varied across different Scandinavian societies and time periods. In many cases, they were compiled by royal officials or local authorities to document royal demesne, church lands, and private holdings. The information contained within a landskrá could include details about the size of a plot, its agricultural productivity, the names of its tenants or owners, and any associated obligations or rights.

Surviving landskrár offer valuable insights into the economic, social, and legal structures of medieval Scandinavia. They are primary sources for historians studying land tenure, agricultural practices, and the development of administrative systems. The concept of a comprehensive land record has evolved over centuries, but the fundamental need to document and manage land ownership and usage remains a constant in most societies. Modern land registries are the direct descendants of these early landskrár, adapted to contemporary legal and technological frameworks.