The chancellor was in general a man of the church, and one part of his duty was to aid the King during negotiations with foreign powers.

In 1560, during King Eric XIV's reign, Nils Gyllenstierna became the first to receive the title Rikskansler.

Albeit fourth in rank, the Lord High Chancellor became the most important figure in the Privy Council of Sweden.

[1][2] In 1680, King Charles XI abolished the office and inaugurated a new position instead – "President of the Chancellery" (Swedish: Kanslipresident).

In 1792, during the minority reign of King Gustav IV Adolph the office of Rikskansler was revived, but it was abolished once again in 1799.