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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. Højadel (high nobility) which was the highest rank of nobility. In 1671 this rank of nobility was reserved for Counts and Barons. Brevadel whose noble title was granted by a royal edict after 1671. Lavadel (gentry) which included noble families of lower economic standing, and fewer privileges than the high nobility. 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.

There are about 200 families who belong to the Danish nobility at present. Historically about 5% of the Danish population belonged to the nobility. The nobility in Denmark had the highest social standing in the kingdom. The origin of the high nobility began in the 1100’s among the most influential families. At that time, there were chiefdoms, families that owned large amount of land, and families related to the monarchy. Published literature on the old Danish nobility can be followed back in time to King Gorm the old who reigned between 936 – 958 a.d. A good list of these families can be found at: Netleksikon, Danske adelsslægter (http://www.netleksikon.dk/d/da/danske_adelsslaegter.shtml) Gamle danske adelsslægter (http://www.danbbs.dk/~stst/slaegt_adel/gamle_adelsslaegter.htm) 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 estates 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.

Influence on Genealogy in Denmark 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 Royal Vallø Foundation for unmarried princely, count-just and people of nobility. Although the requirement of 16 nobility lines was mentioned, it was not enforced so that in 1799 the requirement was lifted. 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 in 1715. The next genealogical publication was printed almost 30 years later by Adam Christopher Holsten with his genealogy of 32 lines in 1741. Between 1789 and 1890 there was very little interest in the study of genealogy in Denmark. Published Genealogies Danmarks Adels Årbog in 1884 The publication Danmarks Adels Aarbog (DAA) was first published in 1884 by Anders Thiset and H. R. Hiort-Lorenzen for the Danish Nobility Society (Dansk Adelsforening.) An updated version of this publication has been printed regularly ever since. The books include over 750 nobility genealogies including many lines that go into Norwegian families. Each volume is organized in alphabetical order by surname. For each family, there is a brief history of when the earliest member was ennobled and often a diagram which shows the descendants. The copyright has expired on the early volumes by Anders Thiset. In 1941 Albert Fabritius published a record of 38 Danish genealogies which pre-date the French Revolution

Family Stories of Nobility in the U.S. A. Most family traditions of a noble ancestor turn out, on investigation, to have little foundation in fact. 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. Resources in FamilySearch Catalog Holsten, H. Berner Schilden. Adam Christopher Baron Holsten til Baroniet Holstenshuus og Adelheid Benedicte Rantzau. København 1943. FHL call no. Intl 929.2489 H742ha Fabritius, Albert. Danmarks riges adel, dens tilgang og afgang 1536-1935 : en studie i Dansk adelshistorie. Andr. Fred. Høst & søn, København 1946. FHL call no. Intl 948.9 D5f Krogh, F. Den høiere danske adel : en genealogisk haandbog. Chr. Steen & søn, Kjøbenhavn 1866. FHL call no. Intl 948.9 D5k

References Green, Jørgen. Slægtforskerens ABC. Forlaget Grifo, Special-Trykkeriet Denmark 2011 Worsøe, Hans H. Politikens Håndbog i Slægtshistorie. Politikens Forlag Denmark 2005 Wikipedia Community. Danmarks Adels Aarbog. Danish Wikipedia 2017