Jens Hermansson Juel

Jens Hermansson Juel was a Danish nobleman, landowner and entrepreneur who served as Governor-general of Norway from 1618 to 1629.

Ending his seven years educational trip abroad, Juel was employed at the Danish chancery where he soon became responsible for the Danish treasury and served on several diplomatic missions. In 1618 he was named Governor-general of Norway which included the traditional role as feudal lord to Akershus in Norway. He used the king’s occupation with the Thirty Years' War to govern more independently and make material benefits. In 1624 when Oslo was burnt, he established the new city of Christiania when Oslo burnt in 1624. He also expanded mining operations in Norway and served as the first director of the Kongsberg Silver Mines. Moreover, he was head of the private partnership that bought a share of the silver mine, which was until the Thirty Years’ War in the sole ownership of the state. Through lending activities, Juel obtained profit with which he acquired a number of estates in Norway and lands in Denmark.