Denmark Nobility: Difference between revisions

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The nobility refers to a individuals or families that belong to a upper social class who had special political and social status. The Danish nobility is organized into the following groups:

* The '''Uradel''' (the oldest noble families) which can trace their genealogy back to pre-reformation or medieval time.

* '''Sværdadel''' refer to a nobility group whose noble title was granted in reward for accomplishments with industry or military. This happened more often during the 1600’s and 1800’s.  

Historically about 5% of the Danish population belonged to the nobility. The nobility in Denmark had the highest social standing (other than the monarchy) in the kingdom. The origin of the high nobility began in the 1100’s among the most influential families.  

* Prior to the establishment of royal absolutism in 1660, the high nobility was included in the council of the realm. During the 1600 and 1700’s many of the old nobility lines died out (for example Brahe, Gyldenstierne, Marsvin, ect.) and were replaced by German noble families whose title was accepted by the Danish nobility. During this time, laws were created to limit the growth of the noble class. Prior to 1788 most of Danish lands were owned by the nobility and the government through the monarchy. After 1788 some estates sold parts of their to land owning freemen, but the social standing between nobility and land-owning freeman was always distinct.  The genealogies of the Danish nobility can be found in Danmarks Adels Årbøger and other biographical works. There are about 200 families who belong to the Danish nobility at present.   

The earliest forms of genealogy in Denmark are those of the monarchy and nobility. The rights of nobility were passed down through the paternal line. So, the genealogy of Danish noble families follows the paternal line as far back as possible. These genealogies secured the rights to claim noble inheritance. The influence on genealogical research spread from the nobility to the ecclesiastical families and members of the wealthy bourgeoisie.  

In other European countries, there was a movement in the 1400 – 1500’s to secure nobility rights by providing genealogical proof. For example, a man had to show documentation of up to 16 nobility lines to secure a position as a courtier or to become a member of the Orders of Chivalry. This was done in various forms such as tombstones, epitaphs, and heraldic shields. This practice of “proving” nobility for high government positions was not practiced in Denmark. The closest example in Denmark was by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vall%C3%B8_stift Vallø Stift] (Noble Vallø Foundation for Unmarried Daughters.)  

1715 Frederik Rostgaard is recognized as the first person in Denmark to create a published genealogy which he did for his father in-law chancellor Conrad Reventlow. The next genealogical publication was printed almost 30 years later by 1741 Adam Christopher Holsten published his genealogy including 32 lines.

1941 Albert Fabritius published a record of 38 Danish genealogies which pre-date the French Revolution

Most family traditions of a Danish noble ancestor turn out to untrue. Most members of the noble class did not emigrate to the United States. In addition, contrary to prevailing opinion, it was not customary to disown members of noble families for unacceptable behavior. Thus, traditions of an ancestor being "erased" or eliminated from "all records" are usually unfounded.

Hiort-Lorenzen, Hans Rudolf, Thiset, Anders. <u>Danmarks Adels Aarbog</u>, København 1884 to 2003-2005. FHL book 948.9 D55d

DENMARK, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - NOBILITY  

Green, Jørgen. <u>Slægtforskerens ABC</u>. Forlaget Grifo, Special-Trykkeriet Denmark 2011