Earls of Lade founded by Håkon Grjotgardsson
The Earls of Lade (Norwegian: ladejarler) were a dynasty of Norse jarls from Lade (Old Norse: Hlaðir), who ruled what is now Trøndelag and Hålogaland from the 9th century to the 11th century.The seat of the Earls of Lade was at Lade Gaard, now located in the eastern parts of the city of Trondheim. The site is near the seaside of the Trondheimsfjord, which was an important waterway in the Viking Age.According to Snorri, King Harald I of Norway was a great commander but lacked a fleet. For that he was assisted by Håkon Grjotgardsson. In gratitude Harald made him the first earl of Lade.