SKOVDE

town, Vstra Gtaland ln (county), southern Sweden. It lies on the eastern slope of Billingen upland, which rises to about 1,000 feet (300 metres). Although the settlement dates from the 12th century, it was not named a town until 1413. Skvde received its charter in 1526. As the burial site of St. Helena (Elin), a local noblewoman who was canonized in 1164, it early became a place of pilgrimage but otherwise remained relatively insignificant until the coming of the railway and the beginning of industrialization in 1860. In 1905 it became a garrison town. Limestone quarrying and the manufacture of motors, chemicals, bricks, cement, and insulation materials are leading industries. Notable buildings include the Church of St. Helena (1250) and the 18th-century town hall. Pop. (1990) mun., 47,493; (1996 est.) mun., 49,643.