Danish Residences General Discussion

[Muhler]

I thought it might interest some of you to have a closer look at some of the manors owned by families close to the DRF and as consequence often visited by the DRF.

I'll try include as many scenic photos as possible and for those interested in architecture you might be surprised how varied the style is here in DK. (And Sweden as well, but that's outside the scope of these posts).
English manors tended to be rebuilt along more or less the same template during the 1700's and French and German manors are again very different.

So let's start with Gavnø Slot = Gavnø Manor.
https://app.box.com/s/ip0u0tknmqqqja5ysldfow5mztqii606
Located about an hours drive from Copenhagen in an agricultural affluent part of DK, this is where Mary lived initially when coming to DK.

Gavnø Manor was first heard about in 1205 as a farm under a local abbey. The current main-building was build in 1402-08 and rebuilt into its present form in 1755-58.
The Thott family took over the place in 1682 and the present owners are Baron Otto Reedtz-Thott married to Helle Reedtz-Thott who are close friends of both M&F and J&M. they have three children.
https://app.box.com/s/n2ss3o71y0jv9j6j8fdg3ncttzggcyw1
https://app.box.com/s/gn0n8mn91dqribezwsjk5vii0czkzwhv
https://app.box.com/s/1722uozxa1whryu3z43om5yoyugwnd5y

The manor is located on an island, Gavnø, close to the town of Næstved.
https://app.box.com/s/k4d6bhk7n3tapcu0b61i70mp6hscmnii
It's connected to the mainland via a dyke (which could suggest it was originally fortified).

When you approach the manor from the mainland, this is what you see:
https://app.box.com/s/q943stk17t8cbln96zpiwvu6xh9s0c2w
It's separated from the mainland by a strait, wide enough to ensure a high degree of privacy, while affording a great view from the main building. (Beforehand the bedrooms would have faced the courtyard, because this was where the action was).
https://app.box.com/s/2r6d3k7xccus35lcxwr50y7ef5ei1x2t

For better idea of the layout of the place, Gavnø has two wings:
https://app.box.com/s/8emeo6pig7kb36xy9aqlqgrhfcr3febm

Once you are on the island, you pass the south wing:
https://app.box.com/s/ip0u0tknmqqqja5ysldfow5mztqii606
The chapel is in the right of the wing.

Gavnø Manor is famous for its tulips, with the courtyard of the manor in the background:
https://app.box.com/s/p0kcycsu13stqd9u71828ef41yciry7n
And it is in this part of the park Mary and Marie have been photographed.

Like most manors Gavnø has its own chapel:
https://app.box.com/s/4i7b4unf95ptxks6tjw0x44l567cqj5s

There are a number of thatch-roofed building on the premises. This one used to belong to a gardener but was later used as a playhouse for the children and now a kind of garden-house/tea.house for visitors:
https://app.box.com/s/jkigvrw598es69xplux81o8qzv1r9jva

Like most manors nowadays the income is supplemented with various exhibitions, cultural events, a park open to the public, a little museum and accommodation for conferences or weddings.

You can read a little about Gavnø Manor in English here: UK - Gavnø Slot

 

[eya]

Very very interesting!! Thanks Muhler!!

 

[Curryong]

What a gorgeous building, Muhler! Thanks for the photos of it, tinted in its Spring-like yellow. How could Mary bear to leave it! The manor reminds me somewhat of the 18th century tinted manor houses in the countryside one can see in Russia, but does have a Scandinavian feel. I imagine it was indeed fortified way back in previous centuries when no doubt it looked somewhat different to the way it does today.

I love seeing the old castles and country houses of other countries, both in real life and in photos. I've never been to Scandinavia, so seeing these will be a real pleasure for me.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Gavnø Manor was orginally St. Agnes Priory and was established by Queen Margaret I for a community of Dominican nuns,I'm sure the Prince Consorts sister would be able to tell us more

 

[ashelen]

Thanks Muhler1 Love it1 Very nice photos!keep rolling!

 

[Muhler]

You are most welcome.

So let's continue with Frijsenborg Manor.
https://app.box.com/s/94vd74a8kgxyxg2p2ir3pdd34o6fbse9

Frijsenborg Manor is located in Eastern Jutland near the route between Trend and Marselisborg, so as such I imagine M&F in particular often drop by for lunch when going to or from Trend with four lively kids in the car. But the Regent Couple have also been known to drop by from time to time.
https://app.box.com/s/bkwtg3j2cjilsjbffizfm7jsc6b16ypm

Frijsenborg is located on the outskirt of a forest not far from the town of Hammel. Area-wise it's one of the largest estates in DK.
https://app.box.com/s/ww5z1loe6r6ypnt5vfqpjbrrckscnk7r
Most of the land outside the town, belongs to the manor, the red line is just a popular route for joggers.

Frijsenborg was first build in the mid 1500's as a fortified manor house with two solid towers a moat and a low curtain wall.
In medieval times robbers and other outlaws were far from unknown in the forests in this part of the country, but by the time Frijsenborg was build it was more the Swedes who were a concern or marauding armies and forage parties coming up through Jutland from the south.

The manor is now owned by Bendt Hannibal Wedell, married to Pernille Wedell. They have three children.
https://app.box.com/s/ddz6d3eqtgb52fifz88f520x88pl0dtc

Bendt Wedell owns another manor, Wedellsborg, and as such he is the one who owns the second-most area of land in DK.
He is also a part of a co-operation called the Five Farms, which Schackenborg is a part of and he was one of the investors who bought Joachim out of Schackenborg.
The family is wealthy enough not to have to supplement the income with activities for the public at the manor, apart from the odd cultural event and so on.

In its present from Frijsenborg looks like this.
https://app.box.com/s/eujqjsff4g4mfbuqwd58o7152kw9fjsx

Moats are common around manors here in DK. There are two bridges crossing the moat. A rear entrance from the park and the main entrance ending up in the courtyard.
https://app.box.com/s/r4g7prssebsmvy5k6y6uiogag3kbe2k2

When you come towards the manor you pass a gate complete with the Wedell adornment on the gate:
https://app.box.com/s/bgwceeesrq8vvxvmwx11jx99m0el2z61
Like most manors in DK the main road leading to the manor is lined with trees an "allé" = road or street lined with trees, not to be confused with a boulevard which is very wide. Giving the effect of the manor opening up for you as you approach it.
https://app.box.com/s/308vc18e3dfo791w9y6icw03ejxlnv7y
https://app.box.com/s/kt4hzjdkrp9f8gdoo9h2uyidc5okt3mt

The rear of the manor, facing the park, looks like this:
https://app.box.com/s/f5vpk3ftwgn48s7cl1f7sxumbku7ak2w

Frijsenborg is arguably one of the more beautiful manors in DK, with loads of details to look at.
https://app.box.com/s/mgbm5xwkpbg0xjflvcgf7dj8bzk9svm9
https://app.box.com/s/tyunvu4o62quanc8za99ouq2ninifw3e

A good look at the roof, even up here there are many details:
https://app.box.com/s/6329usmqc4bt8rmg4dw7gcahd8fdufkl

The rear around the manor is popular among joggers or people just gong for a stroll in the forests. With a good view of the manor appearing through the trees:
https://app.box.com/s/vil2v6hu0eh709abp3c5sisi4vie2v6c
https://app.box.com/s/qc87ogzfk5tg37pnf7pbk1wy6twpcrv5

The Wedell family first took over the manor in 1783 and through intermarriages within several noble families finally from 1959.

But Frijsenborg has not always looked like this.
The original fortified manor house fell into serious disrepair in the 1600's and was modernized in the 1700's.
Here from 1749:
https://app.box.com/s/vcc04cw2tqeft5e6hqeo82vm8ff44ei2
And from 1851:
https://app.box.com/s/tu24pbivxc9kuvs893ktd6diwwe92k8o
As you can tell the towers were shortened and while modern at the time, it was also a bit boring to look at.

That changed in the 1860's, when the manor was restored to it's present look. To something like it would have looked originally.

There are not many large follies in DK, but there is one at Frijsenborg, in the shape of a tower.
I imagine the trees around the tower were planted when the folly was finished.
https://app.box.com/s/cvfxstmru2m5vlcgp3ba32cpluhxx6t1
https://app.box.com/s/2syw2plnhe50mo0ll3pew2819k57kmbc

H. C Andersen was a frequent visitor to Frijsenborg. Here photographed in 1865 in his right element; at the center of attention.
https://app.box.com/s/4ygj4cmeou0aoqmur0jrqgewzefyxklk

There is also a charming inn at the estate: https://app.box.com/s/sudce6ens41km50syd1eknkkio51j6w5
We've been there several times and in fact it was here Mrs. Muhler and I celebrated our copper anniversary some years ago.

And finally M&F at Frijsenborg, when they visited Hammel some years ago:
https://bt.bmcdn.dk/media/cache/res...frederik-and-crown-princess-mary-attended.jpg

----------------------

I intend to write about Valdemars Slot, Egeskov Slot, Birkelse Gods, Wedellsborg Gods, Lerchenborg and Tranekær Slot - all owned by persons or families close to the DRF, in particular M&F and J&M. - And later on perhaps some of the estates of old families who have supplied LiW's for QMII.
If you have suggestions, just say so.

---------------

A little question for English speakers. I need a word for "gods". - A very large and grand farm, that is too small to be a manor, but closing in... But at the same time is too big to be a mere farm.

 

[gerry]

You are most welcome.

So let's continue with Frijsenborg Manor.
https://app.box.com/s/94vd74a8kgxyxg2p2ir3pdd34o6fbse9

Frijsenborg Manor is located in Eastern Jutland near the route between Trend and Marselisborg, so as such I imagine M&F in particular often drop by for lunch when going to or from Trend with four lively kids in the car. But the Regent Couple have also been known to drop by from time to time.
https://app.box.com/s/bkwtg3j2cjilsjbffizfm7jsc6b16ypm

Frijsenborg is located on the outskirt of a forest not far from the town of Hammel. Area-wise it's one of the largest estates in DK.
https://app.box.com/s/ww5z1loe6r6ypnt5vfqpjbrrckscnk7r
Most of the land outside the town, belongs to the manor, the red line is just a popular route for joggers.

Frijsenborg was first build in the mid 1500's as a fortified manor house with two solid towers a moat and a low curtain wall.
In medieval times robbers and other outlaws were far from unknown in the forests in this part of the country, but by the time Frijsenborg was build it was more the Swedes who were a concern or marauding armies and forage parties coming up through Jutland from the south.

The manor is now owned by Bendt Hannibal Wedell, married to Pernille Wedell. They have three children.
https://app.box.com/s/ddz6d3eqtgb52fifz88f520x88pl0dtc

Bendt Wedell owns another manor, Wedellsborg, and as such he is the one who owns the second-most area of land in DK.
He is also a part of a co-operation called the Five Farms, which Schackenborg is a part of and he was one of the investors who bought Joachim out of Schackenborg.
The family is wealthy enough not to have to supplement the income with activities for the public at the manor, apart from the odd cultural event and so on.

In its present from Frijsenborg looks like this.
https://app.box.com/s/eujqjsff4g4mfbuqwd58o7152kw9fjsx

Moats are common around manors here in DK. There are two bridges crossing the moat. A rear entrance from the park and the main entrance ending up in the courtyard.
https://app.box.com/s/r4g7prssebsmvy5k6y6uiogag3kbe2k2

When you come towards the manor you pass a gate complete with the Wedell adornment on the gate:
https://app.box.com/s/bgwceeesrq8vvxvmwx11jx99m0el2z61
Like most manors in DK the main road leading to the manor is lined with trees an "allé" = road or street lined with trees, not to be confused with a boulevard which is very wide. Giving the effect of the manor opening up for you as you approach it.
https://app.box.com/s/308vc18e3dfo791w9y6icw03ejxlnv7y
https://app.box.com/s/kt4hzjdkrp9f8gdoo9h2uyidc5okt3mt

The rear of the manor, facing the park, looks like this:
https://app.box.com/s/f5vpk3ftwgn48s7cl1f7sxumbku7ak2w

Frijsenborg is arguably one of the more beautiful manors in DK, with loads of details to look at.
https://app.box.com/s/mgbm5xwkpbg0xjflvcgf7dj8bzk9svm9
https://app.box.com/s/tyunvu4o62quanc8za99ouq2ninifw3e

A good look at the roof, even up here there are many details:
https://app.box.com/s/6329usmqc4bt8rmg4dw7gcahd8fdufkl

The rear around the manor is popular among joggers or people just gong for a stroll in the forests. With a good view of the manor appearing through the trees:
https://app.box.com/s/vil2v6hu0eh709abp3c5sisi4vie2v6c
https://app.box.com/s/qc87ogzfk5tg37pnf7pbk1wy6twpcrv5

The Wedell family first took over the manor in 1783 and through intermarriages within several noble families finally from 1959.

But Frijsenborg has not always looked like this.
The original fortified manor house fell into serious disrepair in the 1600's and was modernized in the 1700's.
Here from 1749:
https://app.box.com/s/vcc04cw2tqeft5e6hqeo82vm8ff44ei2
And from 1851:
https://app.box.com/s/tu24pbivxc9kuvs893ktd6diwwe92k8o
As you can tell the towers were shortened and while modern at the time, it was also a bit boring to look at.

That changed in the 1860's, when the manor was restored to it's present look. To something like it would have looked originally.

There are not many large follies in DK, but there is one at Frijsenborg, in the shape of a tower.
I imagine the trees around the tower were planted when the folly was finished.
https://app.box.com/s/cvfxstmru2m5vlcgp3ba32cpluhxx6t1
https://app.box.com/s/2syw2plnhe50mo0ll3pew2819k57kmbc

H. C Andersen was a frequent visitor to Frijsenborg. Here photographed in 1865 in his right element; at the center of attention.
https://app.box.com/s/4ygj4cmeou0aoqmur0jrqgewzefyxklk

There is also a charming inn at the estate: https://app.box.com/s/sudce6ens41km50syd1eknkkio51j6w5
We've been there several times and in fact it was here Mrs. Muhler and I celebrated our copper anniversary some years ago.

And finally M&F at Frijsenborg, when they visited Hammel some years ago:
https://bt.bmcdn.dk/media/cache/res...frederik-and-crown-princess-mary-attended.jpg

----------------------

I intend to write about Valdemars Slot, Egeskov Slot, Birkelse Gods, Wedellsborg Gods, Lerchenborg and Tranekær Slot - all owned by persons or families close to the DRF, in particular M&F and J&M. - And later on perhaps some of the estates of old families who have supplied LiW's for QMII.
If you have suggestions, just say so.

---------------

A little question for English speakers. I need a word for "gods". - A very large and grand farm, that is too small to be a manor, but closing in... But at the same time is too big to be a mere farm.

Mange tak, Muhler! Very interesting indeed! Perhaps 'gods' could be translated as 'estate'; a very general term but probably useful for your purpose.

 

[polyesco]

Muhler, this has been great to read about and to look at. thank you for all the info and gathering of photos. very much appreciate it

 

[IldaBuelke]

I don't often post, but I did want to add my thanks, Muhler, as I so enjoy your posts!! Thank you!

 

[Muhler]

You are welcome.

Congratulations on your first post, IldaBuelke

Thank you, Gerry
Estate it is then.

I'll post more about estates and manors over time.

 

[Muhler]

Lets have a look at Tranekær Manor.
https://app.box.com/s/jxmzd2pcds7ifinoo3e5o4b6qlddbdri

Located on the idyllic island of Langeland in the southern part of DK.
Here are three views from above to give an idea of the layout:
https://app.box.com/s/67yejlr345lv4gyw06cs40f6penrsigq
https://app.box.com/s/qvxy8lwwl7ofmnubktjcalepi6drnn8m
https://app.box.com/s/pbxd57679efwnncrzwd1ns8v7pixkt65

Located next to a lake the manor is surrounded by a moat to the west and the lake to the east. No wonder because Tranekær was originally build as a heavily fortified castle back in the 1200's.

Currently the manor belongs to the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig family:
https://app.box.com/s/ctusn3pvyiq7v98wshy835y8uz2i5nfv
Count Christian Benedict Ahlefeldt-Laurvig.
The manor has been in the possession of the Ahlefeldt-Laurvig family since 1659, after an Ahlefeldt abducted, or rather eloped with, the fifteen year old heiress to the place and married her.

The manor was rebuild into its present shape in 1859-65, and that's when the present imposing stair-tower was build. - Beforehand it was still very much a castle with a massive keep. (A kind of main-fortress-tower).
But there are still parts of the manor going back to the original castle in the 1200's, in parts of the cellars are even older, so Tranekær is the oldest still lived in home in DK.
The park is among the largest in DK, mainly going east past the lake.

But let's look at the manor.
Here from across the lake:
https://app.box.com/s/ori06fh456xnyxbfs0sf78i2vck0ao1h
Seen from west and the road passing the manor:
https://app.box.com/s/edj33comqjewdfwdsjcib7253coh189h
https://app.box.com/s/rskxto5er28tijq8biy03u5vowfb03x3
From north-west. Back in the 1200's the castle there must have looked pretty daunting!
https://app.box.com/s/bbvg4zcooxaslxcegmdg9hiud8qijm9t
From north. The left part of the wing facing north was a part of the original castle. The lower part with the gate.
https://app.box.com/s/tjxpnakqww3p71292jpx3p6q381chcl9
And from the east:
https://app.box.com/s/lue0l4q6vubh0iiqfe3aj2asq28rskln
When you go past the lake, through the park and walk across the moat, the manor appears between the trees:
https://app.box.com/s/u7upch8z36n3bsb19fngg323feowj7jv

It's very deliberate that the manor gives the impression of floating on the trees:
https://app.box.com/s/1syw6dhhwm5raqrz3svket7dxyyuhx1x

There are two main entrances to the manor, across two bridges over the moat. Before you get to the manor you first pass two imposing buildings. Back in the 17-1700's it wasn't just the manor who impressed your guests. In a predominantly agricultural society your stables and barns were supposed to impress as well. - And it was here your coaches and horses were fed and cleaned while you went visiting.
This is the southern entrance. That includes a cafe, for passer-bys.
https://app.box.com/s/feo4jqeaakq1pyej5ii4d3nnwhzln66j

And having passed the stables you enter the courtyard:
https://app.box.com/s/c6af61c7j4ybjoxd2nfdm7r1i3scl2gf
Notice the culverins (light canons). These were used partly as defense of the castle but also aboard the larger coasters owned by the estate. Danish waters were in periods positively plagued by part-time-pirates or opportunity-pirates! Even well into the 1700's. - It's pretty logic actually. If business was poor why not rob a little coaster on the way? With hundreds of coasters, fishing boats up to large ocean-going ships literally all over the place and hundreds of islands to disappear behind, it was quite easy to become lost in the crowd. All you had to do was to bribe a local magistrate and you'd by unlucky or stupid if you were caught.
Not to mention that with one war per generation between Sweden and Denmark there were also the odd Swedish privateer who - out of old habit - accidentally robbed a Danish vessel or two... . If caught pirates were sometimes beheaded, they were very rarely hanged in DK. Criminals in the 15-1700's were beheaded.
But other pirates were simply put to better use instead. One Danish privateer turned pirate, was simply put in charge of a merchant expedition to China. He was a competent seaman, a good leader, tough and resourceful, just the type you'd send out on a dangerous mission. If he made it back he would be rich, if he didn't, too bad.
But large estates like Tranekær could afford to arm their larger coasters with more than a blunderbuss.

But let's go inside.
First we enter the stair-tower and look up:
https://app.box.com/s/vb5ft6xsc2gjpxxmzehk41g0bldaghrr
There are several more or less public living rooms:
https://app.box.com/s/5fqnw5lfkzk7nn6fw9otahvx9gp3ogec
https://app.box.com/s/o5loikpj2cykk08z3ld08edq26cd57cz

As so many manors nowadays there accommodations for celebrating weddings or simply a stay, so there are also guestrooms:
https://app.box.com/s/nokg1bu3dwo1myw4mthffmkr8lxzov8w
https://app.box.com/s/ju2mfthfdubh4ruzygakaj0yjci9g510
With bathroom:
https://app.box.com/s/ql0jxl8hox3dwsg8dre6edidubwziocg
Nice view when brushing your teeth, eh?

Like most respectable manors in DK, there is of course a tea-house in the park:
https://app.box.com/s/i48jqkzke2lnx2dcvzocjjn63hjqoz4v
An inn of course:
https://app.box.com/s/misuwlk9kt7ffzdfwhyg1vjf57i247mc
A mill, the tenants paid the count for having their grain processed. That the mill was the only one for a good distance meant a virtual monopoly, so that was a good business!
https://app.box.com/s/p9w0j8neqw4endjr4k11ioonxgocu0lh
The local church does not look like most Danish churches though:
https://app.box.com/s/vx3ds7awwf81g4fapwhrrk39at9uz9kb

The park is mix of wilderness, (full of wildlife and not least birds BTW!) and tranquil spots, here a in the shape of a bridge across the moat, but here you get to a private part of the park:
https://app.box.com/s/yb8qwee8311prn0n85haawmuszhhfm70
https://app.box.com/s/aarmit9tshd2x443doziv0v9f2ed8dhc

The island of Langeland is in many ways an undisturbed place of DK, with quite a few buildings going back 100-150 years or older, which you often don't realize until you've passed it.
Ups, here I just passed a house from 1815:
https://app.box.com/s/kt9tti0fcvm8jh85pzm9s4nlpd6mvzdh
https://app.box.com/s/v9ji655ydw8rs7jtzw93ngk2nwuzt010
https://app.box.com/s/88rmfowsohi5vk9fk6i29yx4grq6q5th

There are many such beautiful manors dotted all over DK and far from all of them are owned by personal friends of the DRF.

 

[Marengo]

Thanks for the tour, Muhler.

is the family rich enough to use the castle for habitation only or do they rent it out as hotel or for events?

 

[Muhler]

You are welcome.

It's not my impression that the Ahlefeldt-Laurvigs are short of cash, but a manor this size does cost a lot of money! So it's a supplement I imagine.
Another branch of the Ahlefeldt-Laurvigs owns Egeskov Slot, which I'll write about later, and their manor is a theme-park in it's own right, generating a very solid income.

Here are three pics of the current residents of Tranekær Manor, with four of their six children. From 2009: Familien i det store røde hus | Fritid | Fyens.dk

As a noble family the Ahlefeldts go back to around 1220.

The even wealthier Wedell family is also old nobility and can trace their lineage back to the 1200's or so.
The Danish branch of the Wedells is much younger, tracing their presence in DK back to the late 1600's.

- But I'm not much of a genealogist so perhaps other can provide more info?

 

[Muhler]

Let's go to a more, ahem, modest home.

Birkelse Gods (estate):
https://app.box.com/s/hl2thklkkt4356vq0qkeorsuw32u6yij

In Danish a "gods" is a very large farm, that is too small to be a manor, but way too large to be a mere farm.
Birkelse Estate was first mentioned in sources from around 1202-04. By then it was a farm under the Crown.
Later on it became an estate, and from 1656 it has been in the possession of the noble Skeel family. - genealogy is not my strong point but as far as I can figure out the Skeel family don't have a noble title today, but they still have an official crest as a symbol of nobility.
The present owners of Birkelse Estate is Jørgen Christian Skeel, married to Malou Skeel. They have two sons, one of them, Holger, is close to Christian.
https://app.box.com/s/5uyosy9z7g5v5ww2rolck5qup8x2zz4t
https://app.box.com/s/3fs5fax3ycw7246yw2jqzwo5thvclfsp

Unsurprisingly because M&F have often celebrated New Years Eve at Birkelse and at least beforehand M&F also spend time at the Skeel summer cottage, located at the coast in Northern Jutland:
https://app.box.com/s/dmdzq5g1jk9srrjd1dbpjeq5r7k9g7tw
I also imagine M&F drop by at Birkelse when they are in Trend about 45 minutes or so away.

But back to Birkelse Estate. It's located pretty far out in the countryside.
https://app.box.com/s/cqz8syuvlh6r6kum5r4mg9etuh9i4wpv

Next to the estate runs a small river, where kayaks are often paddling by.
https://app.box.com/s/5506nq6iktieldvbdo2o3s1m2n6zu2h8
https://app.box.com/s/6d876c28v1hd3183noym7lagcwvy7hba
And I can well imagine daddies Frederik and Jørgen Skeel standing next to the river with their children, fishing.
https://app.box.com/s/ezbbslnhuj3y2pt07s6t6ratff9u5zqr

Birkelse Estate is by no means a small farm! This is the other side of the main-building away from the river:
https://app.box.com/s/1yfn8jac4pb38rg77x2ta0esv9m639ka

When you approach the estate, you first pass varies stables and houses for the administration and the overseer. All of it meant to impress fellow farmers about how well-run and big and rich your estate is.
https://app.box.com/s/ts8h5tpg0fvcyuwukyfp0qwisy5vddqe

But the main-building has not always looked like it is today. Notice the windows protruding from the roof. They were presumably for servants, but have now been removed.
https://app.box.com/s/8puhcler6hgpcc8e2x2vxytabobp4pqz

The estate is large, with several farms and a number of houses dotted around on the lands.
There are also several villages, which at least used to more or less belong to the estate, several houses in the villages still do.
The nearest village is Birkelse and it's pretty typical for villages in this part of the country or for that matter older villages all over DK.
https://app.box.com/s/qlrfuo17uiltys1yvsbzdhhs2wk2wdo7
https://app.box.com/s/z25i9ztme5uohpq2gq6qqjhm1dtqq1cu
https://app.box.com/s/732j3i7j85m7jd5x6wvlonw5hwkuoae1
Northern Jutland is a bit exposed, so heavy snowfall is not uncommon in that part of the country.

And to every village belongs a church:
https://app.box.com/s/vldxskcmrpzua60pahfg1hix8m6szju3
As you can tell and which I have explained in another thread, cemeteries in DK look very different from cemeteries in say Britain and USA. Each little grave is a garden in it's own right, located in an even bigger garden, the cemetery. All meant to evoke a feel of tranquil peace.

There are more villages around the estate, which albeit located far from the nearest city of Aalborg, still had their own stops on the local railroad, so here is a now disused railway station, in the village of Ryaa:
https://app.box.com/s/x55ik6lwqbc39oda8n268vhezwf3togz

The village of Gjøl:
https://app.box.com/s/ggemiikkbc2fbxe3m2x0hkcr5x2xdczn

The Skeel family were among the very first Mary really got to know well when coming to DK and I'm trying to convey the sense of the scenery of someone having recently flown in from Australia. I imagine the scenery is quite different from Sydney or Hobart. While a city like Copenhagen wouldn't be that big a change.

Jørgen Skeel is Chamberlain and I don't think the family is short of cash.

While Trend is located in the middle of a forest, Birkelse Estate is out on the country with the smell of manure and corn in your nostrils. And M&F will be able to walk around undisturbed. The locals who recognize them, will in the fashion typical for Northern Jutlanders (actually Vendelboer! But that's another story) leave them completely alone and probably completely mislead any big-town journalist or photographer foolish enough to venture out there.
The Danish day-to-day language is full of irony, it's even more pronounced in this part of the country! And people up there very rarely, if ever, praise anyone. If you hear someone saying about your dress: "You don't look too silly in that", it's very high praise!

 

[Muhler]

Let's have a look at another manor.
Valdemars Slot (Manor): https://app.box.com/s/oj0iu32gwz1ftzlsri9tc9pp2ilpkhh3

Located on the idyllic island of Tåsinge, just south of the island of Funen, in what is unquestionable one of the most scenic areas of Denmark.
The manor was build in 1639-1644, using material from a medieval castle nearby. It suffered badly from the Danish-Swedish wars during the 1600's and it was rebuilt in its present form in the early 1700's.
The manor has belonged to the Juel-Brockdorff family for now 12 generations, since 1677.
The present owner is Niels Krabbe Juel-Brockdorff:
https://app.box.com/s/sm7nd49umjx7pl539xhhyjm1cyidh5v4
The last owner was Caroline Fleming, who also belongs to the Juel-Brockdorff family. But after the divorce from her husband she sold the manor back to her family.
https://app.box.com/s/wd6uigehn5mvksqndgfxh9r8e2bwm09t
Caroline Fleming was, and at least to some extent still is, a friends of the DRF. M&F and not least J&M are frequent visitors to the manor.
Like when she celebrated her 40th birthday:
https://app.box.com/s/6hwc6kg6qjbohp988r62arq0j6p8n2w1
https://app.box.com/s/ts7mmymuz73xhrqx2dji2itu1lo3afsj

But back to the manor.
Let's see things a bit from above to get an overview:
https://app.box.com/s/sbn7lsjkl5tqx15f41dbj2b1cg05j4tz

The manor is unusual in the sense that the front face the sea and the back a lake, that means you approach the place via two gatehouses from the sides.
https://app.box.com/s/fnbyjyhx6bslzf6nivafow1eju4gr48k
https://app.box.com/s/n2mi8vh3avfp1ue1ia0lfffeki0pwpgm
https://app.box.com/s/ettifkg0petq0hkxotkkxe68iqg5aylp
https://app.box.com/s/na35kyd0n893uztfex1nzn3crges3apm

Once through a gatehouse the huge courtyard opens up to you.
With a large pond dominating the yard. Two buildings stretching almost from the manor house to the sea. These were stables and boathouses.
https://app.box.com/s/sjbbskuta4o3107w8c0sashywkfghp21
https://app.box.com/s/hxna0admk4y4laba7lfywwyoxp5l48y3
https://app.box.com/s/ua6pi0s7emdkqyten8cj8jotnd39k5gz
https://app.box.com/s/jqlllq4egmck6xiauddrz4of2hbse7xz
https://app.box.com/s/2lfflysn80n23pmrl8grd9v3n6zr3w7l
https://app.box.com/s/2brh5vwij106ip9oyiro6dzkb9ddxkxn
The purpose of the pond isn't just to have a place for duck to paddle around. Just like the moats at other manors it doubles as a fire-pond.

Opposite the manor, almost at the shore is a tea-pavillion:
https://app.box.com/s/fc06pqew9akjjclfxrcyz2q18fr6j6cg
https://app.box.com/s/cpmlt4he2h7bqkz6kij1vikb3p7my2he
https://app.box.com/s/gf7e09xw1goru1ak9oqbrywmg1uhkdk0

Flanking the main stairs are two ship-cannons. Medium-heavy pieces, judging from the pics. An estate this large had several ships, some of them large enough to be armed with cannons, and the first Juel-Brockdorff who owned the manor is one of Denmark's most renowned naval-heroes. The admiral Niels-Juel, who got the manor as a fief.
https://app.box.com/s/nxw7i1ootlp4h0g9e3li692e93hsze7j

Seen from the sea or during winter when the pond is frozen the place is pretty scenic.
https://app.box.com/s/so79rjrqbflsyqafy9lz567pra5jd9o3
https://app.box.com/s/4fjssbgqy8fnpchbuczqelgvx25gzups
https://app.box.com/s/cklm00hgt8has5abzezhwr4lyt6owwyt

But let's go inside.
Apart from being a private home the manor also has a museum and you are able to celebrate weddings here, and spend the night and there is a restaurant. Not to mention various events, like flea markets, both inside and outside the manor.
https://app.box.com/s/lfkoqen3ppjrfe3oohd94qtftk7q4sbh
https://app.box.com/s/f9k1u8wdiaop2dh9zi6ap9debahn834z
https://app.box.com/s/nh8ovvb55zx549ed7cpy1pimgk436255
https://app.box.com/s/ea0tl8wfm801ev8b49840akk1b8igdwm
https://app.box.com/s/xquj5auamd0tewsa3mz8x8tg47t2lcj9
https://app.box.com/s/r826c3sifjvk7vxxbsst89oi2num2ucw
https://app.box.com/s/7usticg0ovopd6wkxbnpeyz6x5v57iy8
Of course a manor like Valdemars Slot has it's own church.
https://app.box.com/s/dshv67zxibzou0sv9nxes7skrlbvlrnz
The Tile Hall:
https://app.box.com/s/jat7k974ei3ctgbnbjeh477be91deizx

Like I mentioned before the island of Tåsinge is very scenic.
If you are stressed, come here, or to one of the neighboring islands and do nothing. Within a couple of days you'll feel your stress level drop 1500%.
Take the ferry Helge to the island:
https://app.box.com/s/17hx2sb8bomlxevt85sa27bfr5efc2cm
And stroll or cycle through and past the few villages on the island:
https://app.box.com/s/5qjl142c8q5a5vof93cmpyeb4104mzb3
https://app.box.com/s/julrgq59ge8gmj67x29ibqrag7c2af4j
https://app.box.com/s/il14ao9r6x0i011xm9qla0eh87xowvcs
Or just sit down and listen to the lark for an hour or two:
https://app.box.com/s/o7ldp182ajvp7163lccch2lcwu1idwae

Have a dinner at the restaurant in the mill:
https://app.box.com/s/jzuiopyaddnntqpo74ajx3ji9dkpdq7h

The estate includes a number of houses and farms, some of which you can rent:
https://app.box.com/s/9scffv69ebn5c889hm6i72lr5vdjh7l6
https://app.box.com/s/mp3mr2cw2owr9ekv2d03lzd1ql4f1h6w
https://app.box.com/s/oczreifjnrhoiveqwp5ih87dlh586vjd
https://app.box.com/s/89vw5ale2ib04jpuvdwb55zqkpxa5lz9

Once a year there is a tall-ship race around the island of Funen and the ships also pass Tåsinge Island and Valdemars Slot:
https://app.box.com/s/8eijv02p4hxg4wvw7i3fbjcc9ukjav0h

It is very popular for foreigners to be married in Denmark. Especially for Americans and Germans marrying each other, because there is less red tape in Denmark than in Germany.
During the few days they stay in Denmark, while the paperwork is done, many visit Landet Church, where the circus princess Elvira Madigan is buried next to her lover, a Swedish lieutenant, Sixten Sparre:
https://app.box.com/s/3hwkb9xwnvges4ohfoteluxi68f9g2qs
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...ElviraMadigan01.jpg/220px-ElviraMadigan01.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Sixten.gif/220px-Sixten.gif

In the late 1800's they fell in love in Sweden. But Sixten Sparre lived in an unhappy marriage and in a class divided society a divorce followed by a marriage to Elvira Madigan was impossible. It would lead to a ruinous scandal for Sixten Sparre!
So he deserted from the Swedish army and they eloped together in 1889 and ended up on Tåsinge here in Denmark during the summer. Here they could be, and from the accounts by the locals, were happy together, in love.
But the money ran out. He was a deserter. There was no prospect, no future together.
One day they went out into a wood, carrying a picnic basket. Here Sixten Sparre shot his Elvira, before shooting himself.
They were soon found and very kindly they were buried together at Landet Church. A very decent touch by the locals I think.
It is tradition now that brides married at this church place their bridal bouquet on Elvira Madigan's grave. The bridal bouquet she could not have when she was alive.
https://app.box.com/s/u93zpntnzjvxurmclzfs7ref72ecgcvp
(Her real name was Hedvig Jensen, Elvira was her stage name, but it's still the name she is best remembered for).

 

[orlando33]

Thank you so much for your hard work. This is a fascinating article.

 

[Muhler]

My pleasure.

Royal luksus: Kongefamilien får renoveret slot for millioner | BT Royale - www.bt.dk
Gråsten, where M&F are currently residing has had an IMO well-deserved make over.

The patio or terrace, whatever is right, and stairs has had new titles after request from the DRF. The craftsmen managed to finish the job juts in time for M&F moving in.
The old tiles were from the 1930's.

 

[Nordic]

Royal luksus: Kongefamilien får renoveret slot for millioner | BT Royale - www.bt.dk
Gråsten, where M&F are currently residing has had an IMO well-deserved make over.

The patio or terrace, whatever is right, and stairs has had new titles after request from the DRF. The craftsmen managed to finish the job juts in time for M&F moving in.
The old tiles were from the 1930's.

The angle BT uses is "Royal luxury: The royal family gets a renovated castle for millions"...(and angry readers can, without reading further than that, imagine all sorts of luxurious renovations).

The article itself says, that the Agency for Culture and Palaces has used the about 430 000 Euros to chalk (?) the palace white again, paint the windows and replace the old tiles from the 1930's with new ones.

If all these things were last done almost 90 years ago it was perhaps about time something was done.

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

The angle BT uses is "Royal luxury: The royal family gets a renovated castle for millions"...(and angry readers can, without reading further than that, imagine all sorts of luxurious renovations).

The article itself says, that the Agency for Culture and Palaces has used the about 430 000 Euros to chalk (?) the palace white again, paint the windows and replace the old tiles from the 1930's with new ones.

If all these things were last done almost 90 years ago it was perhaps about time something was done.

Perhaps BT and other Danish newspapers have learned some tricks from the Daily Fail or the Mirror.

 

[Muhler]

BT does that sometimes.

They would so much like to be like Daily Mail, just with a little higher moral standing, and without annoying and critical comments from the readers (the ungrateful brutes!)
And considering how many articles are copy pasted from Daily Mail, they nearly are!

 

[Muhler]

Let's continue with a real gem: Egeskov Slot = Oak-Forest Castle.
https://app.box.com/s/cq2j1sy74b1cl3mohns8mhp8mpj7eg8p

It is not possible for me to give a more than very superficial description of the place in one post.

Egeskov is one of the best preserved Renaissance castles in Europe, with a moat.
Originally there was a larger farm on the site, but the castle, which is pretty much unaltered, was built in 1554.
Over the centuries it changed hands within various noble families, but from 1882 the Ahlefeldt family took over and today the owner is Count Michael Preben Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille.
https://app.box.com/s/04rcbap76ga1j37sb09t6u13i64852pa
Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille is here seen with his second wife, he is twice divorced and now single in case anyone should aspire to be mistress of Egeskov...
His sister is Susanne Vind, who was LiW for Alexandra and as such the family is pretty close with Joachim in particular.
https://app.box.com/s/t3qwcvhr5tqo3dgy7ujfv73gazypj9k3

The noble name Bille is a medieval noble family name, predating the noble families of Laurvig and Ahlefeldt. Which in Danish context makes Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille something of a "super-noble".

But back to the castle. Let's see things a bit from above to get an overview:
https://app.box.com/s/owoxwzverxv9ev9wc8fjb9r47iggbs94
https://app.box.com/s/ju65j4x8o51neett7ubcl5pjhoeqci4i
https://app.box.com/s/29yik1wb6rogl5n42ykpju39owxf4s1p
https://app.box.com/s/czvx2l3wtvlwgwzdyvzsr2dlh0eeoxik
https://app.box.com/s/ldhhnuydgzjtrahy5axdaffsg382458y
https://app.box.com/s/889d1kjycjih8menem0kbv9b0wbmq0x3

As you can see it consists of a main-building surrounded by a moat. And a gate-house, which is where the day to day business took place, because the only entrance to the castle was over a drawbridge. That entrance is now landlocked, instead there is a bridge from the rear across the moat to the park.
Egeskov was meant as a residence for a noble family, but first an foremost it was a fortification, which is evident from the many now bricked up gun-ports you can see in the photos below. It has never seen serious action as far as I know.
Lets have a closer look at the castle from various angles:
Egeskov is surrounded by clusters of trees and you can approach it through the gatehouse:
https://app.box.com/s/ldep2by5yubqz4xvqlpkpy5ezuvxl0hg
https://app.box.com/s/acyd8uj71yfedcgy2kqfzpmxw8tbdlqm
And then you find yourself in front of the main entrance: https://app.box.com/s/1cdkjeziorz414k7bohpd9z2mz2pfz5t
Notice the gunports.

When you stroll around the moat you'll see the castle from all angles:
https://app.box.com/s/k11a5j1na5re91fm8ux61xhz66u9h4c5
https://app.box.com/s/repuoa4v9gf0682soj3z8ujr4wnpwdtf
https://app.box.com/s/qh4cfu0ovim3yw8fm3y0t3a167huyg51
https://app.box.com/s/ulff544qr4ftkagr37oefer8q8bz0nb9
https://app.box.com/s/og6ed71dqdl8kudcj0bzangeqtr1sskw
https://app.box.com/s/qpc44vbr9iop0m3hr5j91mbkikju532y
https://app.box.com/s/vf46csp3rh2v5bd0ytgo7hy8j8mr845g
https://app.box.com/s/l9sfmy8wppls03e83gblpvkv6gpgjvbg
https://app.box.com/s/99j52rmbunzkb2jy9a7q7v7lm61mtqwr
https://app.box.com/s/oenyzvpw03rx487e58tb7nheyfy97g7r
https://app.box.com/s/ceq4hjomudxhz5unt0px1b0ji3uazgzf

As said before there is a bridge going across the moat from the castle to the park:
https://app.box.com/s/bcr8upqd1z0mjgt2nvlyd3eh8hr08xuo
Like all respectable manors, Egeskov has a pretty big park area as well:
https://app.box.com/s/nnbpjplia0dcu7pjnciausl7hqfmkn1s
https://app.box.com/s/ixvp6k2mkbtw1q9gjygmxpps5hiswuxo
https://app.box.com/s/59ah435zs9j5kr52u7r31vdvrxnu262v

Part of which is a dedicated flower garden: https://app.box.com/s/o7dbusxxnv73td2p4nficfyamfo8sj4n
https://app.box.com/s/ogrdsgb5po6qa487xehuwui9bmtb4bnj

Let's go inside. Part of the castle is used privately, but most of the castle is now one big exhibition, with dining rooms for weddings and parties and guestrooms and so on.
The Trophy Room: https://app.box.com/s/bzfltfxwdvo09kgetytmm2z2snn16zki
The Great Hall, now used for parties: https://app.box.com/s/bli7v420eyykvugskro5ssmcltotw3lq
There is a very extensive collection of female fashion: https://app.box.com/s/1n6s5fvaieb261d60boikmbneo56d9du
https://app.box.com/s/2rxy0b9ignmdeyobf4qrgaczkl8alw67
See more here: https://ramonavh.com/travel/egeskov-slot-danemark/
A 1890's living room: https://app.box.com/s/z9cvko943mvqei1tyqfh6bgrw751f6r8
The Yellow Room: https://app.box.com/s/5tw5mm7au8mjk2hqjjae34gy5rvykcwo
An armory: https://app.box.com/s/mlx30zxbly1rwr4hht0s5m0rbqyyyqy3
The armors depicted here are from the early 1500's. The halberds and partisans are not combat weapons, but parade weapons. Combat halberds were much heavier and more crude. The partisans were however used by infantry officers as a symbol of rank and as protection against cavalry and later on out-reaching a musket with a bayonet.
Wanna spend your wedding night here? https://app.box.com/s/bszqyq81ou4c525ezhtb1qig0ia7ju2g
A dining room: https://app.box.com/s/9wi9ifb05d82u7e36wox5zxyn18dnjct

Today Egeskov is a very successful business. A favorite destination for family outings.
There is a large and mouthwatering collection of aeroplanes, classic cars and vintage motorbikes:
https://app.box.com/s/smpbtjicllkp7z1p70tejg2t76ed4qmb
https://app.box.com/s/wdb47xieqhsrdoq56q4laymi5u5wk0xq
https://app.box.com/s/6rcpqtzbcwkcd38ij1d9vqvvh5xt231h
https://app.box.com/s/5ydklqp62dwg96dbdqp7dgihn2kwq2re

As well as plenty of outdoor activities for children. Even though the "little knights" use somewhat updated chargers...
https://app.box.com/s/a51gbrsgm932dyv7h0o9i58hza7e0upc
https://app.box.com/s/jsx5jt7grs5kdcd75zwnjnfdv7853wnp
A labyrinth, of course: https://app.box.com/s/91fwjykqptrqmknpl0ufgfwh2k9d6w1z
Have a look at real live smiths: https://app.box.com/s/hi6sun8qa79hz7p5e0h8sdma0qpk4amu
There activities all year round, also at Christmas: https://app.box.com/s/j5svin0jgq8mtbyzrh9ky1l2okfalmst
Have a look at folk dancers:
https://app.box.com/s/5indtnea0zzhsq48f5q2qtgyrz0q0gtd
In the 1700's you could read the status of a person by his/her dress and tell, almost down to the individual parish where they came from. As well as seeing if the person was unmarried, married or a widow.
Of course people didn't dress up like that on a day to day basis.
There are peacocks in the garden and they strut around like they own the place, with some justification. That includes looking out for leftovers at the restaurant.
https://app.box.com/s/5w85u7du0c1lwblsjswqbt86giz12koh
Sailing in the moat you can really appreciated the details of the castle: https://app.box.com/s/4qymqitov6unbbki81n2abzjfioxpyct
Or if you are more... laid back, you can go for a ride of the grounds:
https://app.box.com/s/hxf5qftjfjghkrgge532rmu2t86wvzwx
Or go for a walk in the tree-tops: https://app.box.com/s/zpqdp3xyxinzm17isbd2q1z5ia7g6sef
Or just play: https://app.box.com/s/vc99jufjppc0uircg7oet6fe5ijzdtzg

All castles and manors have ghosts! Also Egeskov, unfortunately it hasn't been possible to persuade the ghost to appear on schedule, so visitors are encouraged to venture down the basement:
https://app.box.com/s/zojv545o0ee1nrlieppufdnvt7jaemap
https://app.box.com/s/0tx7gk1u8qq08c2ffvot0fa6d2ocnu2e

You can also see the Wooden Man, who is lying on a pillow, just under the spire of the tower.
https://app.box.com/s/cawabubm8d1ip43wtbgwpkirjgyhyo20
If he is ever removed from the pillow, Egeskov will sink into the ground come next Christmas Night! - Traditionally Christmas Night, you stayed inside! because all sorts of strange beings roamed around on that night! The animals can speak on Christmas Night, but if you go out into a stable to listen you will become mute.

Or have a look at some of the Moors: https://app.box.com/s/sfxk0g5an2y5nj7q80rs20m0sic71q47
(More about those in the next post).

A place with such a collection of vintage cars and motorbikes is a mecca for motor-enthusiasts!
https://app.box.com/s/ld9valb0sa4braccb723f0gvs3901xtq

Egeskov is also the home of the Heartland Music Festival, which J&M attended recently: https://app.box.com/s/tjp0od2i6qswmyriw3njbyqmfan4ltd2

The grounds are extensive and includes barns as well as a mill: https://app.box.com/s/gt5yoodk4cnwt8lfceoc7lirjjnandei

Here is a look at Egeskov in the 1830's: https://app.box.com/s/wmufkf7o0rp5qgy4gga2xu1lmhul2vr8

One of the biggest gem at Egeskov is without a doubt the doll-house collection, with the main attraction being Titania's Palace, build in Ireland 1907-1922. Now owned by Legoland and on permanent display at Egeskov. I could look at the details for a whole day!
https://app.box.com/s/5dvj4vdqgwwmhkwcb9lx8qetrnql2lws
https://app.box.com/s/7xo4nxapw6g0ifd49zysbftnlt1af038
https://app.box.com/s/it7yw3le6lflocbf43ekvsq5m3fu3adn
https://app.box.com/s/bnbqqry16nhv4wue6p4bjzvk21vfyiia

So if you should ever come to Denmark in the summer, I recommend you devote a whole day to visiting Egeskov Castle.
Here is the official website in English, but you easily find more on the Net: Egeskov Castle in Denmark, activities for the whole family

 

[Muhler]

Let's have a look at the Moors: https://app.box.com/s/sfxk0g5an2y5nj7q80rs20m0sic71q47

I wrote about them in the previous post.
The figures depicted here are variants of what in other parts of Europe, the Netherlands in particular, is known as Black Peter.
The figure there is now a kind of Santa's helper and it has been attacked as oppressive racism. The figure is indeed racist, but as a mockery of a very feared enemy, the Moors. - In this context meaning North African pirates.

Like the Netherlands, Denmark has a very long history of trading, also in the Mediterranean and here ships ran a very real risk of being attacked by Muslim pirates and the crew enslaved. There was a thriving insurance business aimed at buying free captured sailors well into the late 1700's.
It has recently been estimated that more than one million Europeans were enslaved in North Africa from around 1500 and 250 years on. Partly as a result of captured sailors, partly as prisoners of war, but also very much from raids. In Iceland, the Faeroe Islands, Ireland and even England, Moors landed and raided villages and brought back the villagers for the North African slave markets.
As late as the 1830's southern France were raided, and that indirectly led to France colonizing North Africa.

Sea-faring European nations, Denmark among them, paid tribute to the Moors for more than 100 years, simply because it was too costly to ship a fleet to the Mediterranean, even though punitive expeditions did take place, when the pirates overstepped the line.
From time to time North African emissaries toured Europe to collect "presents", such an emissary was dined and wined like royalty, while at the same time trying to milking the cow to the last drop! That includes requesting a fully equipped frigate from the Danish king! That was however declined.
It was of course a balancing act, because the whole delegation could very well end up a head shorter if they went too far, but they could allow themselves to be so brazen, because no individual European country could afford a permanent navy presence in the Mediterranean until the late 1700's and there was no way in this world the Europeans could agree on co-operating against the moors!

So instead they resorted to mockery, hence Black Peter. Because some of the Moorish pirates were black.

Black Peter was used to spook unruly children and was also a somewhat mythical figure to adults, because few people outside the major ports had ever seen a real life Black African.
Black Peter as a figure in his own right does not exist in Denmark however.

So over the centuries a feared enemy, just like the Janissars from the Ottoman Empire, were mocked and caricatured and later on became templates for how a genuine clown must look like.

As a little curiosum I will add that the line from the US Marine Corps hymn: From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, refers to an American punitive expedition against Moorish pirates.

 

[eya]

Thanks Muhler very much! The Egeskov Slot is like came for the pages of fairytale! Beautiful!

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

Thanks, Mylher!

 

[M. Payton]

Thank you very much Muhler for the history lesson. As always I learn so much about my favorite country through you and always read and reread all your comments. This is one of the most beautiful castles in the world and just a visit there would be some thing to be always cherished. Have you ever thought of writing a book on Denmark and the history? I am sure it would be a best seller and that my favorite Queen Daisy would have it on her coffee table signed by you for all to see...think about it!

 

[Muhler]

You are welcome, Eya & Royal Norway ?

You flatter me, M Payton ?, alas I'm no historian, merely a happy amateur who loves to tell stories from my country's past.

 

[ashelen]

Muhler! I love to read your posts, thank you so much for all this incredible history , photos, you are a real Ambassador for Denmark! Kepp going1 we love it!

 

[Muhler]

There are more than 800 palaces, manors, castles, abbeys and large estates in Denmark.
And a number of ruins, but they are outside the scope of the next posts.

Some are owned by the state or a municipality. Quite a number are owned by companies or foundations, like Schackenborg but most are privately owned, often by families who have lived there for generations. Many of them are nobles families, some of them are a part of the circle of friends around the DRF
What I'm going to do now, is to show one or two pictures of a some of those 800 manors and so on, and add a few very basic info.
It is pretty obvious that quite a few of the places originally started out as medieval castles or major farms, but I think people who are interested in architecture will notice how varied the building styles are.

I will end this list with a more in depth description of one of the manors, which is going to be the template for future descriptions - mostly done by request. Because I could probably write about all of them! But that is not practical. So if there is a manor you'd like to know more about please don't hesitate to make a request.

Here is the folder, from which this list is taken, in case you'd like to browse for yourselves: https://app.box.com/s/yrygi2y9kp6qndhrzbeohayx4ir0nj18

--------------------------------
Aalborghus: https://app.box.com/s/mwuv7aegj9uiph2f5w7g0o1zft6hymij
Build 1539-53 - As a royal administrative center, on top of the ruins of a castle that was destroyed during a civil war in the 1530's. A sheriff's seat so to speak.

Aalholm Slot: https://app.box.com/s/9wolkip8xqkwc6cfinwh4ditmgnjh39o
Finished in its present form in 1581. Mostly owned by the Raben Levetzau family. Now administered after the death of the last owner, Stig Husted Andersen.

Augustenborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/gpg9tj309b6zcopidryn8adyr0onexjr
1651 Mostly owned by the crown. For many years used as a psychiatric hospital, now used by the department looking after the nature in DK. Owned by the state.

Beldringe Gods: https://app.box.com/s/cpu8t1xamh62vs4c218yr96eh9zqsm11
1360. - For many years owned by the Raben Leetzau family. Now owned by an agricultural company. (Industrial farm).

Bernstorff Slot: https://app.box.com/s/srfgw2ra4p2qs7b4l22vckakbhpbi3jc
1759. Mosty owned by the Bernstorff family. Today owned by the state.
Used as a summer residence for the DRF in the 1800's.

Boltinggaard Gods: https://app.box.com/s/vo0byewnt0utz2pj90mfioev1elfuwd7
1589. Initially owned by the Thott family. Today owned by Peter Wilhelm-Rosenstand.

Borreby Slot: https://app.box.com/s/t5hdv8e8wtw35z4gt42e8ralagp9g18j
1345. Mainly owned by the Carstenschiold family. Today owned by Joachim Lorents Holten Carstenschiold.

Brahetrolleborg Cloister: https://app.box.com/s/ugngvkryt4fv10dm4t1ajcqyv7q40hwb
1172. Initially a cloister under the Cistercian Order. After the Reformation mostly owned by the Rantzau and Reventlow families. Today owned by Catharina Reventlow-Mourier.

Brandbjerg Gods: https://app.box.com/s/rleke87kskqpquptgxj3wyafka8rck5v
1545. Many families. Today owned by a school - for adults.

Brattingsborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/q1bgo2tyxk0spx9prjznqc0425dde71c
1216. Mainly owned by the Danneschiold-Samsøe familiy, who have delivered LiW's, and courtiers to the DRF for generations. Now owned by Anders Aage Schau Danneschiold-Samsøe Lassen

Charlottenlund Slot: https://app.box.com/s/u6u1fm1biay8um1imsuowih3x5ai68oi
1622. Mostly owned and used by the DRF. Now owned by the state and used for cultural events.

Clausholm Manor: https://app.box.com/s/6hx04zv4stntckh65m3ix4r706tmm2rf
https://app.box.com/s/my65l7mc7y8dwglptpb9rat7mpwz09bt
https://app.box.com/s/vhnbiqio3mel70at26qnrphaulqcy6vq
1690's. Many noble families. Today owned by Kim Alexander Berner.

Dragsholm Slot: https://app.box.com/s/3z8y4mhvgr12rggbjkri8p6dut20uzhd
1313. Mainly owned by the Adeler family. Today owned by Mads Hylletoft Bøttger.

Dronninglund Slot: https://app.box.com/s/fybrqgcueak637pi0ue4wky4itsm67dn
1200's. Originally an abbey under the Benedictine Order. Many noble families. Today owned by Harald Høgsbro. And used as a hotel and conference center.

Egeland Gods: https://app.box.com/s/yx0iamysr4t2w2jwykbsuyny5fo9hfah
Home of Count Ingolf of Rosenborg. - No further info.

Egelykke Gods: https://app.box.com/s/u031k2lje9xr5v6gxk82y1waoivkbovz
1426. Owned by the noble Mylting, Leth and Knuth families. Owned today by comtessa Christine Regitze Knuth.

Erholm Gods: https://app.box.com/s/oxwf1mpq2gadfidra2y4kv7yi8vxakke
1500. Present building build in 1850. Today owned by a company under the Cederfeld de Simonsen family, who has owned the place for several generations.

Frederiksborg Slot https://app.box.com/s/2o1pwdlai8erlb8rylo9nbasffgp0ker
1560. Mainly owned by the DRF. For a long time used as the place where kings were crowned during the period of Absolutism. Now owned by the state and used under the National Museum.

Fuglsang Gods: https://app.box.com/s/yphtt1k0sb295dqwp6ymwts2icmt30af
1368. Present building build in 1868. Many families. Now owned by a foundation.

Fyrendal Gods: https://app.box.com/s/gakgn0ryjub1bg11xz6p2p9clt7cboo4
1387. Mostly owned by the Holsteinborg family. Today owned by Ulrich Holstein-Holsteinborg.

Gammel Estrup Castle: https://app.box.com/s/cu8h0sdcc7a6i3dhogacn1gzh2xoszpx
1340. Mainly owned by the Skeel - Scheel family. Today owned by Jørgen Mahler.

Giesegaard Gods: https://app.box.com/s/yba4sb5fa4vnkhicvu53ntyn5u4hfb57
1668. Mainly owned by the Schack family (who owned Schackenborg). Today owned by count Frands Axel Michael Brockenhuus-Schack.

Gisselfeld Slot: https://app.box.com/s/jh7jfydgxs4haijayp68nxk5a3fscb6y
1547. Owned all the time by the Danneschiold-Samsøe family.

Gjorselv Gods: https://app.box.com/s/tdd9zzxu594fmvmtymku7bfinsiseo58
1396. Mainly owned by the Scavenius and Tesdorpf families. Today owned by Peter Henrik Tesdorpf.

Gram Slot: https://app.box.com/s/0d1gf3h8ulccmmihbr4wt6y5vilq5s0t
https://app.box.com/s/euq0w0qi9v871wnmv3zw9bn6n7h7xoef
1232. Mainly owned by the Schack family. Today by a company.

Grøngrøft Slot: https://app.box.com/s/rsaym8u51widli2tbtrtvpoytzdeoeyw
1543. Owned for a couple of hundred years by the Ahlefeldt family. Now owned by a company.

Halsted Abbey: https://app.box.com/s/a99hb8f78l46fiohgpoftp7xekzk1x3x
1231. Mainly owned by the very noble Krag-Juel-Vind-Frijs family. Today owned by count Mogens Erhard Frederik Krag-Juel-Vind-Frijs.

Hindsgavl Slot: https://app.box.com/s/txma2zt0mfryyo95l0rm0uwgo4wfxp5x
1200's. Build in its present form in 1784. Owned by several noble families. Today owned by a company.

Hjortholm Gods: https://app.box.com/s/cfzykhii6zbnqc8urz98cct3nyrt8j9o
1509. Owned by several noble families. Today owned by count Hans Benedict Ahlefeldt-Laurvig.

Hofmansgave Gods: https://app.box.com/s/sqel2jblcplqbuvuezmwam89y9i6kfea
1483. Owned by several noble families. Today owned by a foundation.

Holckenhavn Manor: https://app.box.com/s/4t0jfqwf83enk277b5xby5fyod3jm0ll
1579. Mainly owned by the noble Ulfeldt and Holck families. Today owned by Christina and Dennis Hou Holck.

Husum Schloss: https://app.box.com/s/qteqnm4um1gi5sjt18roif99odzj4ncy
1577. Originally a Franciscan cloister in the 1400's. Strictly speaking no longer Danish, but used as a seat for dowager duchesses of Gottorp.

Hvedholm Gods: https://app.box.com/s/1dvexgbcmccpglaez1bjjaqs190ur6ah
https://app.box.com/s/ma78heif1y4bkojsneohhw2r431hl3m7
1475. Build in its present form in 1588. Owned for a few hundred years by the Brahe-Bille family. Today owned by Claus Koch.

- And that's it for now. More in future posts.

 

[M. Payton]

Ah, my favorite Danish author is at work again teaching me all about Denmark. I have been waiting for this so Thank You Mr. Muhler for all the hard work that you do for us.

This is my favorite castle, it actually looks like an ole castle from way back in time...Borryby Slot.jpg. If you have any pictures of this I would love to see them and any info. So when I make my 1st trip to Denmark I would love to see this place and take pictures, think they would let me..wonder if there are any ghosts running around there...oh I am not afraid of ghosts anyhow.?

 

[Muhler]

You're welcome. ?
I'll have a look at Borreby and I can tell you the place crawls with ghosts!

But before that let's continue with my list.

Hverringe Gods: https://app.box.com/s/3u8jioo7f37fr5r6l08vhhn8joipohoc
1350. Present building is from 1790. A lot of old noble families. Today owned by count Alexander Juel Reventlow.

Hvidkilde Gods: https://app.box.com/s/yyd6gcayqmc6sgihyvqn2v8c3aw5lyla
1230. Started out as a castle. Present building dates from 1550. Many noble families. Today owned by count Christian Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Lehn.

Jægerspris Slot: https://app.box.com/s/om8fg7p30q6ycz1b45h9rg8igbdsw3s4
From 13-1400's. Present building 1590. Mainly used by the DRF as a summer cottage. Today it's an orphanage under the state.

Kalø Gods: https://app.box.com/s/63v2h7szmbuilovbqbo73vtgwxktoy4s
Before 1660. Prior to that it was a farm under the castle Kalø: https://app.box.com/s/tqda6n2wtn5sefu4jezqmaid1hu0gy8p
Which is now a ruin.
Owned by several prominent families as a fief, it now belongs to the state and service the tourists coming to visit the ruin.

Katholm Gods: https://app.box.com/s/boqljwn8n4s5jsx7050ifupcjt1f7voh
https://app.box.com/s/cbvlgr6g9h7fojdzgo91nsyrupnmu154
https://app.box.com/s/a3opwufld3qn48t2yn69r1luyscmde4r
1545. - Several noble families. Ending up with the prominent Collet family. Today owned by Marie Therese Collet.

Kjærstrup Gods: https://app.box.com/s/tfk88bwu3s1m7ya0w9s0ojw7i2zko70z
1286. Present building is from 1765. Several old noble families. Today owned by Marie-Pierre Boel Andresen.

Knuthenborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/2u2imubphwnl4zacobhupauw0coz4k2p
1372. Present building build in 1865. Owned by the Knuth family for the past several hundred years. Today a safari park/zoo owned by count Adam Christoffer Knuth.

Kokkedal Slot: https://app.box.com/s/khcp49n4o5j32bnat1na7nfcchisiwfc
https://app.box.com/s/louvhndxf0ssyy98ixx01qojl1nww1yn
Started as a farm. Building is from 1866. Several prominent families.
Today a hotel and golf resort.

Koldinghus castle: https://app.box.com/s/fffkfdc3sy1eyfruaew7zxiz2wbntf88
https://app.box.com/s/b5qk6tlq3qxomz3bnt6uu17tjqbemfhe
https://app.box.com/s/5dx4bkv375xw9e33raklz19gmwm71sjb
1268. Very prominent history but little military action. It was a military deterrent. Owned almost the whole time by the DRF. Now a museum and cultural center under the state.

Kragerup Gods: https://app.box.com/s/zbtmmntakwgbzjol9ritpcnyaym0cpm0
1327. Present building is from 1661. Many noble families. Owned since 1801 by the prominent Dinesen family who have delivered LiWs and courtiers to the DRF. Today owned by Birgitte Dinesen.

Krengerup Manor: https://app.box.com/s/69si06lhib1wdtuimu83uzmr8xqt9hw0
https://app.box.com/s/5u01aoadn18zkmie92wtj72xa497btne
1514. Present buildings from 1772. Several families. Owned by the Rantzau family since 1770. Today owned by Carl Johan Ulrik Rantzau.

Krenkenrup Manor: https://app.box.com/s/41ryks7wm1n3xfoj5hcdg8zj61jvryoy
https://app.box.com/s/jkr4m3p5rtj3wnrzb97870bxixmrv1fw
Started as a farm before 1330. Present building from 1490. Several old noble families. Owned by the Reventlow family since 1739. Today owned by Patrick Reventlow-Grinling.

Kronborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/6lvuu3vcf5jzm9ndr9297rhhbunpp6gf
Started as a castle in the 1420's. Present fortress from 1574. The place where Hamlet takes place. (Even though Copenhagen Castle would be more likely!) Has seen action several times, last in 1807, when the British bombarded Copenhagen. Owned and used by the DRF. Now owned by the state.

Krumstrup Gods: https://app.box.com/s/gi7p8fbb9dp48srru0lzldddqzevtzsc
1529. Present building is from 1615. Several old noble families. Now owned by Thomas Eggertsen.

Lerchenborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/4komct135k7yv2e6nbohzjrv2uvtn5z7
A farm under the crown 1300-1658. Present building from 1743. Owned on and off by the noble Lerche family, who are in the inner circle around the DRF. Today owned by Christian Lerche-Lerchenborg.

Lungholm Manor: https://app.box.com/s/l0xw4q9cf920p1crhtfppybll1astjfl
1450. Present building is from 1853. Several old noble families. Owned by the noble Lehn family since 1784. Today owned by baron Nicolas Erik Carl Poul Johan Dmitri de Bertouch-Lehn.

Lykkesholm Manor: https://app.box.com/s/shqax8py3w2v9exil43o44xwph5hitv1
1329. Present building from 1600. Several noble families. Last the Juul family. Today owned by Christian Ove Sehestedt-Juul.

Lynderupgaard Gods: https://app.box.com/s/st057b6jxkjpnsrq5dzdg3qf8yivdxkx
Oldest building dates back to the 1300's. Main building from around 1400. Last wing is from 1700. Used as a farm for secondary members of noble families. Today owned by Ove and Kirsten Glerup.

Løvenborg Slot: https://app.box.com/s/mpw8082ld3mvgtmyhn114up4i8x881eb
Started as a farm under the arch bishop in 1190. Present building is from 1634. Many noble families. Ending up with the omnipresent Ahlefeldt family. Today owned by count Christian Knud Ahlefeldt-Laurvig.

Løvenholm Slot: https://app.box.com/s/r1mrloq8d7ad22lsy7de3ee49opkmpg1
https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Løvenholm#/media/File:Løvenhom_Slot,_Djursland,_Denmark_3.JPG
Started as an estate under an abbey in 1440. Present building is from 1550. Many noble families. Today owned by a foundation.

More later.