säteriherras

Säteriherras is a Finnish term that translates to "manor lord" or "estate owner." Historically, it referred to the owner of a säteriratsutila, a specific type of noble estate in Sweden and Finland that was granted tax exemptions in exchange for providing a mounted soldier for the king's army. This system was a significant part of the feudal structure in these regions during the Swedish era.

The säteriherras held considerable economic and social power. Their estates were typically large and well-managed, often employing a significant number of laborers and tenants. The status of säteriherras was hereditary, passing down through noble families. They were expected to maintain their military obligations and contribute to the defense of the realm.

The concept of the säteriherras is closely linked to the development of the nobility and land ownership patterns in Finland. While the military obligations associated with säteriratsutila estates eventually faded, the term and the underlying concept of landed gentry persisted for some time. Today, the term is primarily of historical interest, reflecting a specific period in Finnish and Swedish social and economic history. The legacy of these estates can still be seen in the landscape and in historical records.