Jacob Frederik Scavenius

Jacob Frederik Scavenius (1838 – 1915) (Owner of Gjorslev 1868 – 1915) qualified as a Master of Political Science in 1863.

He volunteered in the battles on Als in 1864. The impressions from these events made the cause of defence his leading motive in his political career. He was in sharp opposition to the national liberals, whom he held responsible for the unfortunate war in 1864. In 1866 he stood in Store Heddinge and was elected to the Folketing of the Rigsdag. The Estrup ministry took office in 1875, and had Scavenius's full support, as he advocated for a strong government and a strong defence system with the Copenhagen land fortifications as the centrepiece. He was against parliamentarianism and supported Estrup's provisional policy. He became Minister of Culture in 1880 and was responsible for church, school, and culture. Many found Scavenius's appointment as Minister of Culture objectionable, as they did not find the office of head of the church and school compatible with Scavenius's dissolute lifestyle.

At the general election on 28 January 1887, Jacob Frederik Scavenius stood again for the Conservatives in Store Heddinge. At the start of the proceedings, a Copenhagen butter merchant, Ingemann-Petersen, rose, asked the assembly to listen carefully, and then directed an interpellation – a question to the minister:

"I shall now take the liberty of asking the Primate of the Danish National Church, Denmark’s Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs, the man who leads the priests and teachers in this country, whether it is not to kick morality and religion aside, whether it is not to mock both God and people, when the Church’s highest servant goes to a brothel?"

He was then interrupted by the conductor (the police chief) and deprived of the floor. After 20 minutes, he was arrested and imprisoned for two days.

However, the period with Scavenius as minister proved to be very fruitful, and he successfully implemented a number of positive initiatives. Among these can be mentioned: The establishment of the National Archives, the purchase of properties to secure the expansion of the National Museum. Introduction of general preparatory examinations and education for the deaf and dumb. New buildings for the Polytechnic College, the Mineralogical Museum, the Clinical Laboratory, the Plant Physiological Museum, and the Art Museum.