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Ove GieddeDanish Riksadmiral
Date of Birth: 27.12.1594
Country:  Denmark |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service
- Return to Denmark and Naval Command:
- Expedition to India
- Negotiations and Privileges:
- Tranquebar Acquisition:
- Return to Denmark:
- Norwegian Administrative Roles
- - Lensman of Brunla and Numedal
- Naval Leadership in the War with Sweden
- Battle of Lister Deep:
- Defense of the Coastline:
- Appointment as Riksadmiral:
- Later Life and Death
- Captivity and Release:
- Death:
Early Life and Education
Born:17 December 1594, Tommerup Manor, ScaniaNiels Trolle was born into a noble Danish family in Scania (now southern Sweden). He received a well-rounded education, studying at German universities in 1612-1614.
Military Service
Overseas Training:After a brief stint in Denmark, Niels Trolle traveled abroad in 1615 to gain military experience. He served in Holland in Count Ernst Casimir of Nassau's guard and studied fortification. He later joined the German forces and participated in the Siege of Brunswick.
Return to Denmark and Naval Command:
Upon his return to Denmark in 1616-1618, Trolle served as a secretary in the Chancery. However, he was soon appointed commander of a squadron tasked with establishing a Danish trading post in the East Indies.
Expedition to India
Departure and Arrival:On 29 November 1618, Trolle set sail from Copenhagen on the ship "Elefanten." After a lengthy journey, he reached his destination, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), in May 1620.
Negotiations and Privileges:
Despite initial setbacks, Trolle successfully negotiated with the Kandyan king. The king granted Denmark the port of Trincomalee, assistance in building a fort, and extensive trading privileges.
Tranquebar Acquisition:
Trolle also traveled to the Coromandel Coast, where he secured the transfer of Tranquebar to the Danish king from the Raja of Tanjore. He established Fort Dansborg and granted significant privileges to Danish subjects.
Return to Denmark:
After several months in India, Trolle returned to Ceylon in February 1621. However, due to political instability, he decided to sail back to Denmark, arriving in Copenhagen in March 1622.
Norwegian Administrative Roles
From 1622 onward, Niels Trolle held various administrative positions in Norway, including:
- Lensman of Brunla and Numedal
- Lensman of Brunla and Tønsberg- Lensman of Brunla and Bratsberg
- Landskommissar
- Under-Colonel of the Akershus Regiment
Metal Industry Involvement
Simultaneously, Trolle became involved in the development of Norway's iron mining industry as the owner of several metal mines.
Naval Leadership in the War with Sweden
Appointment as Admiral:In January 1644, Trolle was appointed admiral of the Norwegian squadron during the outbreak of the war with Sweden.
Battle of Lister Deep:
In May, Trolle joined forces with Admiral Pros Munck's squadron and engaged in a naval battle against a Swedish-Dutch fleet on 25 May. The outcome of the battle remained inconclusive.
Defense of the Coastline:
Trolle was tasked with protecting the sea lanes between Norway and Jutland and blockading Gothenburg. However, he was unable to do so effectively due to the arrival of Swedish Admiral Teissen's fleet.
Appointment as Riksadmiral:
In March 1645, Trolle was appointed a member of the Royal Council and Riksadmiral. He played a key role in naval operations during the war with Sweden.
Later Life and Death
Royal Recognition:In 1648, Trolle was knighted at the coronation of King Frederick III. He continued to serve in various capacities, including managing finances for the war effort.
Captivity and Release:
During the Swedish invasion of Denmark in 1660, Trolle was captured while on a private visit to Scania. He was held prisoner until his release in September.
Death:
Niels Trolle died on 19 December 1660. He left a legacy as a skilled naval officer, administrator, and business leader.
