But excavations have revealed evidence of earlier constructions also mentioned in texts under the name Essendrup dating back to 1340.

[1][2] The construction of Gammel Estrup was started around 1490 by nobleman Lave Eskesen Brock (died 1503) who built a moated fortress on the site.

Eske Brock was a nobleman and close friend of King Christian IV to whom he also served as a minister.

Through Brock's detailed diaries we know a great deal about how a rich nobleman lived at that time.

[6] The surrounding buildings support the museum, the nearby apple plantation and a horticulture research center.