Aastrup Kloster
Denmark·private residence/foundation-owned·16th century
Aastrup Kloster, historically known as Aastrup manor, is an estate located in Elverdamsdalen, Denmark, west of Copenhagen. Originally a village belonging to the Bishops of Roskilde, it was replaced by a manor in the early 16th century. The estate has a complex ownership history, undergoing various transformations, most notably being converted into a "stamhus" (entailed estate) in 1736 and later becoming a foundation, Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift, for unmarried women and widows. For a period, Denmark's largest lime works operated on its grounds.
Key Facts
- ›Originally a village, Aastrup was replaced by a manor in the early 16th century.
- ›The estate was confiscated by the Crown during the Reformation before being acquired by Erik Krabbe.
- ›In 1736, it was converted into a "stamhus" (entailed estate) for the Eichel family.
- ›From 1842, it served as Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift, a foundation for unmarried women and widows.
- ›Denmark's largest lime works operated on the estate from 1929 to 1969.
- ›The main building, a three-winged complex, was listed on the Danish registry of protected buildings and structures in 1918.
Renaissance
Three-Winged Main Building, Crow-Stepped Gables, Vaulted Cellar, Sandstone Plate With Owner's Names Above Gate, Home Farm, Lime Works
Aastrup, Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift
Tyge Krabbe, Erik Krabbe, Glob Krabbe, Christian Krabbe, Enevold Kruse, Else Marsvin, JøRgen Seefeld, Peder Lauridsen Scavenius, Niels Benzon, Peder Benzon, Gregers Juel, Johannes Eichel, Just Valentin Eichel, Marianne Grove, Elisabeth Hedevig Eichel, Caspar Christopher Bartholin, Johan Bartholin Eichel, Charlotte Grothschilling, Ulrik Christian Von Schmidten, Hans Peder Kofoed, Marie Kofoed, Siegfred Victor Raben, Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand, Louise Schulin, Frederik Brockdorff, Carl Christian Funder, Johannes Wiedewelt
- Confiscation By the Crown During the Reformation
- Republishing of Saxo Gramaticus's DanmarkskrøNike In 1534
- Construction of A New Main Building By Enevold Kruse Circa 1613
- Conversion Into A Stamhus In 1736
- Dissolution of the Stamhus and Establishment of the Bartholin Eichels Fideikommis In 1803
- Establishment of Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift In 1842
- Operation of Denmark's Largest Lime Works From 1929 To 1969
- Renovation of the Main Building In 1922–1928
About Aastrup Kloster
Aastrup Kloster, historically known as Aastrup manor, is an estate situated in Elverdamsdalen, west of Copenhagen, Denmark. Its origins trace back to a village that belonged to the Bishops of Roskilde, eventually being replaced by a manor in the early 16th century. The estate has seen a succession of prominent owners, including members of the Krabbe, Kruse, Benzon, Eichel, and Dannemand families, each leaving their mark on its history and development.
Historical Significance and Transformations
During the Reformation, Aastrup was confiscated by the Crown before passing into private hands. A significant transformation occurred in 1736 when Johannes Eichel converted it into a "stamhus" (an entailed estate), restricting its sale and division. Later, in 1842, Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand established "Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift" on the estate, dedicating it as a foundation for unmarried women and widows of certain families. This institution served its purpose until 1985. For a substantial period between 1929 and 1969, the estate was also the site of Denmark's largest lime works, exploiting rich travertine deposits in the valley.
Architecture and Estate
The main building of Aastrup Kloster is a three-winged complex. The east wing, constructed in 1613 by Enevold Kruse, features red brickwork with crow-stepped gables and a vaulted cellar. The north and west wings are also built of red brick, with the west wing dating from 1856. The entire complex underwent renovation between 1922 and 1928. The main building was listed on the Danish registry of protected buildings and structures in 1918. The estate itself comprises a considerable area, with farmland, woodland, and parkland.
Cultural Connections
Aastrup Kloster has also featured in popular culture, serving as a filming location for the 1950 family film "Mosekongen" and the DR television series "Livsens Ondskab."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aastrup Kloster known for historically?
Aastrup Kloster is historically significant as a manor estate with a long line of owners, including prominent Danish figures. It was also known for its transformation into a charitable foundation and for housing Denmark's largest lime works for several decades.
When was Aastrup Kloster founded?
While the original village of Aastrup existed earlier, the manor that would eventually be known as Aastrup Kloster was established in the beginning of the 16th century. The institution "Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift" was founded in 1842.
Who were some notable owners of Aastrup Kloster?
Notable owners include Erik Krabbe, Enevold Kruse who built the east wing in 1613, and Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand who established the charitable foundation. The estate has passed through many prominent families over the centuries.
What happened to Aastrup Kloster after its time as a charitable foundation?
Aastrup Kloster served its purpose as Det Grevelige Dannemandske Stift until 1985 and remains owned by the foundation. The lime works on the estate operated until 1969.
Is Aastrup Kloster an active monastery today?
While it was historically associated with a charitable institution for women and widows, it is no longer described as an active monastic community in the traditional sense. It is owned by a foundation.
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