Marshal of the Realm (Denmark)

The Marsk (English: Marshal), from 1536 the Rigsmarsk, was in Denmark the head of the armed forces from the beginning of the 13th century until the introduction of the absolute monarchy in the 1660s. It was the third highest office in the country after the Steward of the Realm and the Chancellor. The Rigsmarsk was appointed by the king from among Danish-born nobles. During some periods, the king chose to leave the office vacant and instead personally lead the military. This was the case from 1380/81 and until 1440.[1]

In the beginning the Marsk was one of the king's men and Stig Andersen Hvide used the title Regis Danorum Marscalcus ("Marshal of the Danish King") shortly before his conviction in 1287 for the murder of King Eric V. Over the course of the 15th century, the Marsk came to represent the Realm (Privy Council), rather than the King, and in 1536 the title was finally changed to Rigsmarsk or Marscalcus Regni.

After the Scanian War and with the introduction of absolute monarchy the office disappeared. Anders Bille died a Swedish prisoner of war and Axel Urup then served as a Rigsmarsk from 1658 to 1660 but was never formally appointed. After that the title continued to exist for a while as a sort of honorary title but was then abandoned. The function was taken over by generals who had been promoted through the ranks rather than being chosen among nobles.[2]

List of holders of the office


Holders of the 'Rigsmarsk' office[2]
RigsmarskYears
Eskil Gøye1475–1502
Thyge Krabbe1502–1520
Otto Krumpen1529–1523
Thyge Krabbe1523–1541
Erik Eriksen Banner1541–1554
Otto Krumpen1554–1567
Frands Brockenhuus1567–1569
Josias von Qualen1569–1573
Holger Ottesen Rosenkrantz1573–1575
Peder Gyldenstjerne1575–1593
Hak Holgersen Ulfstand1593–1594
Peder Munk1596–1608
Sten Maltesen Sehested1510–1511
Jørgen Lunge1616–1619
Vacant1619–1627
Jørgen Skeel1627–1632
Jørgen Knudsen Urne1632–1642
Anders Bille1642–1657
Axel Urup1658–1660
Johan Christoffer von Kørbitz1660–1677
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References
  1. "Erik Glipping og Marsk Stig i Middelalderens Annaler og Viser" (in Danish). Historisk Tidsskrift. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
  2. "Danske marske" (in Danish). roskildehistorie.dk. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
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