Vadet and Askeby

Part of the original road can be seen at Vadet (the ford), at Gt. Greby. The present bridge was built by the Askeby local folklore society, using the stones from the old bridge. The stream has dried out, but the ­ancient main road through Östergötland – the original Royal Route – passed over this bridge. The bridle path goes over a grave-field and past a rune-stone with the inscription: “Ger … had this bridge made … had this stone erected …in memory of Skärv his dear relative”. It was built for the benefit of his soul.

Askeby church can also be seen from Vadet. It was built in the 12th century, and probably belonged to the royal manor in the same location, its tower and western part indicate a link with royal authority. The tower was attached to ­another building – a combination of palace and private chapel. Around the year 1185, the royal manor, including church and other houses, was donated to the Cistercians as a convent affiliated to the Vreta nunnery.

Near Juby, north of Askeby church, there is a stone circle/ship tumulus and a grave-field. Together with the royal manor, which later became a convent, these ancient remains indicate that Askeby was an important place in the late Iron Age and early Middle Ages, with a powerful and wealthy magnate family owning the ground on the main road between Söderköping and Linköping.

Vårdsberg church, located where the main road crosses the Vårdsberg river, is the only round church still standing in the region. Its oldest part is from the 12th century. The Knight Templars built round churches in many places in Europe, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Bishop Kol, who died in Jerusalem in 1196, may have been the instigator and patron of the Vårdsberg church.

After Askeby, the Royal Route continued to Vårdsberg and Linköping, entering the town at the Southern Toll gate (Tannefors) or Nykvarn.