Sir Hans Olufsson[a] (c. 1495–1500 – 18 September 1570, in Oslo) was a Norwegian high-ranking cleric and nobleman during the 16th century.
As decreed by Haakon V of Norway in a 1300 royal proclamation, the canons of St Mary's Church held the rank and privileges of a Knight, the highest rank of nobility in Norway since 1308 and typically reserved for noblemen with a significant national political role.
[1] Hans Olufsson is first mentioned in 1542 as a canon at St Mary's Church, and undoubtedly was a priest both before and after the Reformation in Denmark–Norway and Holstein.
Most canons in Norway at the time were recruited from the lower nobility, and normally studied at universities abroad, which was normally only possible with an affluent background.
[3] Hans Olufsson's son, as documented by court proceedings from 1602, was Povel Hansson (born ca.