Det Classenske Fideicommis

By testament in 1789 and his codicil of March 23, 1792, the industrialist Major General Johan Frederik Classen left behind his wealth and possessions as a fund, among other things, to "alleviate poverty and misery".

In 1768, he bought land on Falster, where he comprehensively renovated Corselitze, a large manor house, and in 1773 he developed large-scale plantations in the Frederiksværk area.

By the time of his death, he had become one of the most important figures in the country with titles of major general and knight of the Dannebrog and the style of excellency.

With the exception of Frederiksværk, all his other assets and possessions were left to a charitable foundation known as Det Classenske Fideicommis.

The will clearly defined its scope, stating it was to be used:[4] It took almost four years to draw up an inventory of Classen's estate which proved to have a value of 1 million rigsdaler.