Västerhus kapell, Medieval chapel ruins in Östersund Municipality, Sweden.
Västerhus kapell is a medieval chapel ruin in Östersund Municipality with a rectangular nave, a western tower, and a narrower chancel on its eastern end. The stone structure reflects the typical layout of a Scandinavian rural church from that era.
The chapel was built in medieval times and later served as Jämtland's first school location from 1578 to 1597. Archaeological excavations in 1947 uncovered 364 medieval skeletons that provided insights into the local population of that era.
The chapel served as the first school location in Jämtland from 1578 to 1597, established by the bishop of Trondheim under King Frederik II's command.
The site is designated as an archaeological research area and protected as Riksantikvarieämbetet RAÄ No. 2528-K-0000-00-0010. Visitors should expect minimal signage at the ruins and check the relevant authority's website for current access information.
The excavations revealed a striking pattern of child mortality at the site: roughly half of the 364 buried individuals were under seven years old. This data speaks to the difficult living conditions experienced by the medieval community.
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