There they
built, and the place was called Gray Friars' Island. Other monks came,
called the Black Friars. They, too, asked for right to build in
Stockholm, near the south gate. On this, the larger of the islands north
of the city, a 'Holy Ghost House,' or hospital, was built; while on the
smaller one thrifty men put up a mill, and along the little islands
close by the monks fished. As you know, there is only one island now,
for the canal between the two has filled up; but it is still called Holy
Ghost Island.
"And now, Clement, all the little wooded islands were dotted with
houses, but still people kept streaming in; for these shores and waters
have the power to draw people to them. Hither came pious women of the
Order of Saint Clara and asked for ground to build upon. For them there
was no choice but to settle on the north shore, at Norrmalm, as it is
called. You may be sure that they were not over pleased with this
location, for across Norrmalm ran a high ridge, and on that the city had
its gallows hill, so that it was a detested spot. Nevertheless the Poor
Clares erected their church and their convent on the strand below the
ridge. After they were established there they soon found plenty of
followers. Upon the ridge itself were built a hospital and a church,
consecrated to Saint Goran, and just below the ridge a church was
erected to Saint Jacob.
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