Augustin Ehrensvärd (1710-1772)

The most central character in the history of Suomenlinna is Augustin Ehrensvärd, the director of the Suomenlinna fortification works during three periods. In addition to being a competent soldier, Ehrensvärd was a skilful painter and drawer, whose art can be seen in Suomenlinna in many formats.

Ehrensvärd led the Sveaborg fortifications from the beginning in 1748. He was praised, but also critiqued on, for instance, some rather creative technical solutions in the fortification. The criticism was partially due to the fact that Ehrensvärd’s post was rather independent. Sidelining the fortification bureau in all decision-making regarding Sveaborg caused some bitterness.

In the parliamentary session of 1755–1756, Ehrensvärd managed to have his proposal passed on a naval unit whose naval base would be established in Sveaborg. Ehrensvärd was appointed Commander of the base and member of the war collegium. His first term in Sveaborg ended at the start of the Seven Years' War in 1756. Ehrensvärd returned to his task in Sveaborg in 1762, but the second term was interrupted after only three years, when the Caps party took over and practically stopped all fortification work. A war wound started weakening Ehrensvärd’s condition.

Ehrensvärd began a third term leading the fortification works at Sveaborg in 1770, when the Hats party had returned to power. His health, however, kept deteriorating, and in the summer of 1771 he requested resignation from his duties. After this, he still continued as a commander in the navy, but the fortification works became the responsibility of others.

Count Augustin Ehrensvärd died 4 November 1772. He had been promoted to field marshal only weeks earlier. At the command of King Gustav III, a monumental tomb was erected for Ehrensvärd on Susisaari island in Sveaborg. The king even participated in the design of the monument.