Hillerod, Denmark

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house was acquired by Frederik II (1559-88) who wanted to use the area for hunting. In 1562 the king built a castle and called it "Frederiksborg". However, the king's son, Christian IV (1588-1648) had it pulled down and a new one built between 1602 and 1620 in the Renaissance style, to designs by Hans van Steenwinkel the Elder and his son. During the period of Absolutism all Danish kings were anointed in the castle church, the last being Christian VIII in 1840. The town of Hillerod also came into being in the time of Christian IV.

In 1658, during the war with Sweden, King Frederik III and Karl X of Sweden met at Frederiksborg. On their departure the Swedes sacked the castle and, among other things, took away the fountain of Adrian de Vries. Later the castle was used only as a summer residence. When the Royal Family gave preference to Fredensborg the heyday of Frederiksborg was finally past.

There has been a stud in Hillerod since 1720 and the Frederiksborg horse has always been important in Danish breeding.