Aastrup

Facts

The manor that became a home for unmarried ladies

By Carsten Porskrog Rasmussen , Lektor, dr. phil., Aarhus Universitet (26 stories)

Aastrup Manor was founded shortly before 1540 by Erik Krabbe, who may also have built the north wing of the present main building. The east wing and gate were built for Enevold Kruse in 1613. In 1842-86, the estate belonged to Count Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand. He added a short south wing and equipped the old wing with stepped gables and dormer windows inspired by 16th-century buildings. This style was all the rage during the mid-1800s. The whole building has two storeys. Count Dannemand willed the estate to an institution, Aastrup Abbey. The manor was a home for unmarried ladies from Dannemand's death in 1888 until 1983.

Not a public place

Selected entry

The generous illegitimate prince

Story written by Carsten Porskrog Rasmussen

Time / Periode 1842 1886

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For many centuries, Danish kings were not satisfied with just having queens. They also had official mistresses. The last of these was Bente Frederikke Rafsted, King Frederik VI's mistress. They had four children together that the King acknowledged. One son was christened Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand and was appointed a count. He bought Aastrup in 1842. Count Dannemand was married three times but never had children. He therefore willed his estate to an institution for widows and unmarried ladies who were either related to him or one of his wives, or daughters of Danish officers. The institution was similar to the homes for unmarried ladies of rank, but was actually for people of less grandeur.