The period from 1560 to 1767
| In about 1560 Skanderborg Castle, built in the Middle Ages (about 1200A.D.), was extended and fortified by Frederik 2nd in
the Renaissance style, reusing much of the building material from the monasteries. |
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The activity around the castle provided work for many people in the service of the King. Craftsmen settled in the town outside. In 1583 Skanderborg
was granted a municipal charter.
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Successive kings used the Lake District of Central Jutland as game preserves for hunting.
In Brædstrup District Council it is still possible to find single posts used to mark the boundary of the Royal game preserve. |
Absolutism was introduced in 1661. It brought about a strong centralization of the government. Fiefdoms, that can be traced as far back as the Viking
Age (maybe even earlier), were abolished in 1662 and replaced by Counties with prefects appointed by the Crown. In time, the area that had once been
the centre of the monastic properties developed into Skanderborg County. Skanderborg County existed until the County Reform in 1970.
In 1767, the Crown lands were sold to private owners, by auction at Skanderborg Castle and the Castle was pulled down. The
material was reused once more, only this time for houses in Skanderborg.
Today only the Castle Chapel remains. |
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