The precondition of the Danehof – like that of the Håndfæstning - was the growing power and opposition among Danish magnates after 1250.
By 1282, King Eric V of Denmark had so offended the nobles throughout Denmark that he was forced to accept a Royal Charter (Håndfæstning), which limited his authority and guaranteed the ancient rights and customs which preserved the power of the nobles.
The king was to consult this parliament before he took greater steps especially of economic character.
[2] The disasters and chaos in Denmark during the 14th century did not strengthen the authority of the Danehof.
Dating from the 1320s, it became the role of the Rigsraadet to rule together with the king and to manage the affairs of State.