The Renaissance manor

The change to the manor's present-day appearance took place largely in the 17th century, when Eske Brock (1560-1625), a member of Christian IV's Royal Council, rebuilt and modernised the house. Until his death in 1625 Eske Brock was one of Denmark's wealthies men. He is the best-known of the manor owners at Gammel Estrup - not for his deeds but for his diary, which gives a unique insight into everyday life for a rich nobleman in the time of Christian IV.

It is important to note that Gammel Estrup was not the only estate owned by the Brock family. It formed part of a large estate complex with several other manors. Eske Brock left no male issue, so his daughter, Jytte Brock (1595-1640) and her husband, Jørgen Skeel (1578-1631), inherited the estate when Eske Brock died in 1625. Jørgen Skeel was also a Member of the Royal Council and a man of such power that he could challenge King Christian IV himself.