Klerkegade originates in the 1649 plan for New Copenhagen, the large area which was included in the fortified city when the old East Rampart along present-day Gothersgade was decommissioned, and a new one was built in a more northerly direction.

According to the plan, the streets in the area were to be named after Danish territorial possessions, royalty and the upper classes.

In 1972–74, Helge Bonnesen adapted the building for its current use as the home of the Section of Musicology at the University of Copenhagen.

10 was built at the same time and by the same architect for another secret, philanthropical society, Kjæden ("The Chain"), founded by former members of the Order of Freemasons in 1776.

[3] Den Wintherfeldtske Stiftelse was built by the foundation Trøstens Bolig to provide affordable accommodation for needy widows.