It was built in 1745 as part of the Nyholm Naval Base which had been established on reclaimed land at the site in 1690.

A typical 18th-century Corps de garde, it is open on the front side to provide shelter for guards on duty.

The clock was manufactured by clock-maker Peter in 1753 and was a personal gift from Frederick V.[1] Due to the large crown topping the turret, the building was for many years colloquially referred to as "Under Kronen" (English: "Beneath the Crown").

The crown was copied by Thorvald Jørgensen in his design of the spire for the present (third) Christiansborg Palace.

However, in connection with a renovation in 1934, two more crowns were added to the original spire at Christiansborg, making the resemblance somewhat less obvious.