Hidden rune stone

In the intersection between Kåkbrinken Alley and Prästgatan one can find an ancient rune stone (known as Uppland Runic Inscription 53) embedded into a wall. The stone presumably was brought in by the builders from Uppland region and dates back to 11th century, which means that it is two centuries older than Stockholm itself. The winding rings carry the message: “Torsten and Frögunn had the stone erected after their son”. The name of the son remains unknown. In the corner of the building to the left of the rune stone there is a canon. It was placed there in the early 17th century to protect the rune stone from broad carriages passing through the streets.

This is one of the three rune stones which were found in the Old Town. The second one is on display in the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, and the third one was lost.