Jørgen Thygesen Brahe

Who was Jørgen Thygesen Brahe?

Jørgen Thygesen Brahe was a member of the Danish nobility.

He was the son of Thyge Axelsen Brahe til Tostrup, Danish Councillor. He was also the uncle of the astronomer Tycho Brahe whom he raised after kidnapping him when Tycho was two and gave an education. He was married to Inger Johansdatter Oxe, sister of Peder Oxe, Steward of the Realm.

Jørgen inherited considerable wealth from his parents, which in terms of the social structure of the time made him eligible for a royal appointment as county sheriff. He was successively sheriff to Tranekjær, Odensegaard, Vordingborg Castle, and finally to Queen Dorothea at Nykøbing Castle on Falster. By inheritance and purchase, he acquired substantial properties located principally in Skåne, Lolland and Fyn. His principal residence was at Tosterup Castle.

During the Northern Seven Years' War, he distinguished himself in naval warfare. He was captured at the Battle of Øland in 1564 in association with sinking of Makalös, the largest warship of the Baltic Sea . He later distinguished himself at the Battle of Rügen in June 1565. He died that same year from a disease he had contracted by rescuing King Frederick II of Denmark when his horse was thrown into the water at Højbro, the bridge leading over to Slotsholmen.