Asserbo Charterhouse
Asserbo Charterhouse was a short-lived Carthusian monastery founded in the late 12th century by Bishop Absalon in North Zealand, Denmark. Despite its initial monastic purpose, it soon transitioned to being used as a farmhouse and later leased to noble families. The site was famously swallowed by drifting sands from the 15th century until the 18th century, with the ruins eventually excavated in the 19th century.
Key Facts
- ›Founded by Bishop Absalon in 1163, with evidence of Carthusian presence from 1162.
- ›The monastery was abandoned in 1169 due to an unsuitable site.
- ›Later served as a farmhouse and manor, administered by Sorø Abbey.
- ›Leased to noble families from the 15th century.
- ›Overwhelmed and buried by drifting sands between the 15th and 18th centuries.
- ›Excavated in 1849, with embankments restored in 1972.
Medieval
Embankment Surrounding the Site, Drawbridge Access, Monk Bricks
Bishop Absalon, Eskil, Poul Laxmand
Founded As A Carthusian Monastery, Abandoned Due To Unsuitable Site, Used As A Farmhouse and Manor, Leased To Noble Families, Buried By Drifting Sands, Excavated
About Asserbo Charterhouse
Asserbo Charterhouse is a significant ruin located in the small town of Asserbo, north of Frederiksværk in North Zealand, Denmark. Originally established as a Carthusian monastery, its history is marked by a brief monastic existence followed by centuries of being reclaimed by nature.
Founding and Early History
The impetus for establishing a Carthusian foundation in Denmark came from Archbishop Eskil of Lund, who was inspired by his contact with the Carthusians in France. Asserbo Charterhouse was founded by Bishop Absalon in the later part of the 12th century, with evidence pointing to 1163 as the founding year, though Carthusian presence may date back to 1162. However, the site proved unsuitable, and the monastery was abandoned just a few years later in 1169.
Transformation and Decline
Following its abandonment as a functioning monastery, the buildings of Asserbo Charterhouse were repurposed. They served as a farmhouse or small manor and were administered as a "Grangier" (farmhouse and nearby buildings) by the monks of Sorø Abbey. During the late Middle Ages, the site came under the administration of Sorø Abbey and parts under Esrum Abbey.
From the 15th century onwards, Asserbo Charterhouse was leased to various noble families. In 1490, Steward of the Realm Poul Laxmand took ownership, and thereafter, ownership shifted between The Crown and noble families until the early 18th century. It was during this period that the site began to succumb to the devastating drifting sands prevalent at the time.
Rediscovery and Preservation
The relentless drifting sands eventually covered the charterhouse. These sand dunes were later halted in the 1730s and covered by the plantation of Tisvilde Hegn. The charterhouse lay buried for centuries until it was dug free in 1849. The embankments surrounding the site, which once protected the monastery and facilitated access via a drawbridge, were restored in 1972, preserving a tangible link to its past.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Asserbo Charterhouse founded?
Asserbo Charterhouse appears to have been founded in 1163. There is also evidence suggesting a Carthusian presence at the site as early as 1162.
Why was Asserbo Charterhouse abandoned?
The monastery was abandoned in 1169 because the chosen site proved unsuitable for its continued operation as a Carthusian foundation.
What happened to Asserbo Charterhouse after it was abandoned?
After its abandonment as a monastery, the buildings were used as a farmhouse or small manor and administered by Sorø Abbey. From the 15th century, it was leased to noble families.
What caused the destruction or abandonment of the site?
The site was eventually left to the devastating drifting sands of the time, which covered the charterhouse from the 15th century until the 18th century.
When were the ruins of Asserbo Charterhouse uncovered?
The charterhouse ruins were dug free in 1849. The embankments surrounding the site were later restored in 1972.
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