King Frederik 1. Probably by Jacob Binck · 1539 Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød, Denmark

Frederik was brought up in the duchies Schleswig and Holstein, and was named Duke in 1482 together with his 16 year older brother, king Hans. Eight years later the duchies were divided into two parts. The brother, King Hans, received the Segeberg part, and Frederik the Gottorp part of the area.

From 1490 to 1523 Duke Frederik ruled in Gottorp. He administered the duchy with great skills through a long period of peace and increasing wealth.

When Christian 2.s reign became unstable, Duke Frederik approached representatives of the unsatisfied Danish nobility. The revolt against the King then spread fast. On March 8. 1523 Frederik declared war against the King, and already 18 days later, Frederik was hailed as King in Viborg. When Christian 2. on april 13. left Copenhagen, the road was paved for Frederik, to sign the coronation charter with the nobility, and be hailed as King Frederik 1. of Denmark and Norway.

In most of his ruling period, Frederik 1. lived at Gottorp castle (in Schleswig, Germany). He came to Denmark only when absolutely necessary, and never to Norway.

Even though the king was bound by a strict coronation charter, he managed to gain great political influence. In tense situations he simply threatened to resign from the throne which would have meant a return of the absent Christian 2., if he didn't get what he desired. A strange, but rather powerful argument.

Though Frederik 1. in the coronation charter had promised to guard the catholic church, he actually introduced freedom of religion for the Danish Lutherans. He protected Hans Tausen, who's strong Lutheran sermons attracted lots of attention, by promoting him as chaplain. Furthermore, Frederik 1. ruled that the bishops in the future should be chosen by elections in Denmark.

In 1532 Frederik 1. managed to persuade Christian 2. to come to Denmark by granting him safe-conduct. The king broke his promise, and jailed the former monarch in Sønderborg castle.

Frederik 1. was married twice. First time was when he in 1502 married Anna, the 15 year old daughter of the duke of Brandenbourg. The duchess died only 27 year old. They did have two children, one of which later became king Christian 3.

Frederik 1. died at Gottorp castle on April 10. 1533 and was buried in cathedral of Schleswig.