The creation and granting of counties and baronies in Finland began with the coronation of King Eric XIV in 1561 and continued through Great Reductions in the latter half of the 17th century. Eric XIV created two baronies in 1561, the to Lars Fleming, who was later entitled to use the name of his manor, Sundholmen, as his barony, and the to Klas Kristersson [Horn]. King John III is responsible for both the first granted barony, the , to Klaus Eriksson Fleming in 1570 and the first granted county, the county of Raseborg, to baron Sten Eriksson of Grevsnes' widow and heirs in 1571.