Henrik Gerner

Bishop Henrik Gerner (9 December 1629 – 13 May 1700) was a Dane who studied theology and travelled extensively in England. From 1656, at the age of 27, he became the parish priest for Birkerød (north of Copenhagen) and in 1693 until his death, he was appointed bishop of Viborg.

Early life and education Gerner was born on 9 December 1629 in Copenhagen, the son of merchant Thomas G. (died ca. 1673) and Karen Henriks-datter. He was originally intended for a commercial career, but a private tutor convinced his father that he should have an academic education. Gerner matriculated from Our Lady's School in 1650. He earned an attestats certificate in 1652. For two years, he then worked as an assistant for rector Zacharias Lund at Herludsholm School, In 1654, he earned a bachelor's degree from Sorø Academy. In 1654, he continued his studies in England and the Netherlands.

Captivity In 1659, during the Second Northern War, Gerner was briefly imprisoned, tortured, held in chains and sentenced to death, by Swedish authorities for plotting the recapture of Kronborg. The sentence was not carried out after the Danish King Frederick III threatened reprisals. He was instead held imprisoned for eighteen weeks and had to pay a hefty fine before release. On release, he took his 36 pound chains with him to Birkerød church, where they are now displayed. The scars from his treatment in prison were a constant reminder for the rest of his life.

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