Tatar attack into Finland (1577)

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Tatar attack into Finland (1577) — short, easy version

In January or February 1577, during the Livonian War, about 1,200 Russo-Tatar and possibly Mongol horsemen crossed the ice from Reval (Tallinn) to Nyland (modern Uusimaa) in southern Finland. Their goal was to strike the coast around Reval and weaken its support areas.

Direct attack on Helsinki was blocked by high winds and ice. A detachment of about 200 men reached Porkala but was defeated by Swedish forces with a few cannons. Reinforcements from Helsinki, plus troops from Duke Charles and Viborg led by Herman Fleming, arrived to help.

After a week, the Tatars split into smaller groups and raided Nyland’s countryside, attacking Borgå (Porvoo), Sibbo (Sipoo), Esbo, Kyrkslätt (Kirkkonummi), Sjundeå, and Ingå. They looted, murdered, burned villages, and captured many people, including children who were sent to the Russian army besieging Reval.

Finnish and peasant troops fought back, but the Tatars caused heavy damage, especially in Helsinge and Sibbo. Martin Johansson Boije stood out for killing many Tatars; the attackers lost about half their force.

The Tatars returned across the ice to Reval with many captives and loot; those who could not go were killed. The Russians had stolen cattle, tools, textiles, silver, and grain as well.

The raid left a lasting fear in Uusimaa, coming as it did during a truce between Sweden and Russia.