Gregers Birgersson

Coat of arms of the illegitimate branch of the House of Bjälbo

Gregers Birgersson (died 15 January 1276) Greger/Gregory/Gregorius was a Swedish knight, a major landowner and an illegitimate son of Birger Jarl of the House of Bjälbo (also known as the House of Folkung). He was born out of wedlock by an unknown woman. He was the grandson of Magnus Minnesköld and Ingrid Ylva.

The proof that Birger Jarl had an illegitimate son, "Gregory" (i.e., Gregers) is in the record of his death (1276) found by the Danish 1600-century historian Otto Sperling excerpts from the transcript are also confirmed by a charter 27 March 1272, issued by the "G quondam ducis Filius".

His death was recorded on 15 January 1276, he was buried in Minoriterna, a Franciscan monastery in Uppsala. Very little remains of the monastery, apparently it has been partially excavated and several graves were found.

He was a landowner in Baldastad in Närke and the Arnön in Uppland and he was married to an unknown woman who owned an estate in Södermanland.

He is regarded in history as the father of the clan called “Bjälboättens oäkta gren” (the illegitimate branch of the House of Bjälbo).

Children

1. Knut Gregersson
2. Jon Gregersson
3. Magnus Gregersson
4. Karl Gregersson
5. NN Gregersdotter, married Filip Ingevaldsson (Örnsparre)
6. NN Gregersdotter, possibly the mother of Mats Kettilmundsson