Næsholm

Facts

Denmark's most closely studied castle

By Jan Steen Jacobsen, Cand.phil. i europæisk etnologi. (5 stories)

Næsholm resides on an islet in Nygård Lake behind the dam and between Højby and Nykøbing Zealand. The castle buildings were excavated by the National Museum in 1935-57. Back then, archaeologist Vilhelm la Cour dated the castle at 1240-1340 based on coins and pottery. In 1989, a new excavation examined the pile bridge. Using dendrochronology (counting the rings in the wood) the bridge was dated at 1278-79. As no other approach roads to the castle have been found, archaeologists concluded that the castle was in use from 1278 and was abandoned in the 1340s.

Public place

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The King's bailiff lived safe and sound

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Story written by Jan Steen Jacobsen

Time / Periode 1278 1340

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Næsholm was probably the administrative centre. From here, the Crown managed its possessions in the north of Odsherred. This was what archaeologist Vilhelm la Cour believed, who led the excavation of the castle in 1935-57. He described the castle defences as a strong stone tower and a couple of barrier trenches, while the rest consists of buildings that have nothing like the character of the castle". They were like those you would find on a well-fortified royal estate or normal manor estate. This was where the King's bailiff lived. He was in charge of running the castle farm and mill. He carried out the local administration of the district and collected taxes, duties and fines due the King. He also enforced sentences pronounced by the local court, and took care of the King's civilian and military business in the area. "