Borchs Kollegium (original Latin name: Collegium Mediceum) was founded on 29 May 1691 to house (according to the Will of the founder Oluff Borch:) sixteen poor, god-fearing and learned students. It is one of the old dormitories of University of Copenhagen.

The Building

The original house, complete with Borchs library and chemical laboratories was destroyed, along with the rest of the city in the Great Fire of Copenhagen in 1728. The house was rebuilt using remnants of the old walls, and stood ready three years and 5500 rigsdaler later, in 1731.

Because of Danish foreign policy in the beginning of the 19th century, Copenhagen was the scene of some conflict with the British navy. In the Battle of Copenhagen (1807) British forces decided to prevent Napoleon from getting hold of the Danish fleet. According to the history of Borchs Kollegium (see references) several skirmishes were fought in which some of students of Borchs Kollegium participated. Naval bombardments were especially heavy in the area around Vor Frue Plads and on the third day, September 4, fire broke out in the Kollegium and the building burned to the ground.

The third building – the house at is stands today – was built in 1824-25 under supervision of architect Peder Malling. It was inaugurated on May 28 1825. Geographical location:

The Residents

Many famous people have lived in Borchs Kollegium. Complete lists of residents exists on the Danish webpage. Especially noteworthy is Ludvig Holberg - a famous Danish dramatist, essayist and historian. From 1748 to 1754 he was efor – head of the Kollegium. Also Danish war hero Jens Paludan-Müller, student-resident no. 703, lived in Borchs Kollegium for two years before joining the Second war of Schleswig. He was killed at Sankelmark Lake, February 6th 1864, and a memorial stone in the garden of the Kollegium still commemorate this event. It reads:

Jens Paludan-Müller Falden ved Sankelmark sø 6. februar 1864 -- Indad Fremad Opad

Jens Paludan-Müller Fallen near Sankelmark Lake 6th of February 1864 -- Inward, Forward, Upward

External links

• New wiki homepage in Danish

References

Johannes Pedersen: Borchs kollegiums historie 1728-1823. København: Gad 1916.