Abstract

During the Middle Ages, so-called tranbodar (blubber-processing sheds) were located at Stadsgården on Södermalm in Stockholm, where seal blubber was rendered into train oil. The activity, documented as early as 1305, represents an early form of industrial production within the city and constitutes the only known large scale local processing of an export commodity in medieval Stockholm. The tranbodar were situated in the maritime boundary zone between land and water, partly built on piles in the Saltsjön. This location facilitated transport while maintaining distance from the built-up city due to odour and fire risk.In advance of the archaeological excavations at Stadsgården, the question arose of how such water-adjacent constructions can be identified archaeologically, despite the complexity created by later, intensive harbour activity and construction. The excavations revealed several phases of tranbodar as well as finds shedding light on seal hunting and the economy of the archipelago. The article highlights the methodological challenges involved in tracing this early form of urban industry in maritime environments and demonstrates how historical sources and archaeological material can be integrated to reconstruct the economic and spatial development of the city.