# Eidsvoll Verk

- **Country:** Norway
- **Architect:** Carl Frederik Ferdinand Stanley
- **Location Text:** Eidsvoll Municipality

Eidsvoll Verk is a historic village located in the municipality of Eidsvoll within Akershus County, Norway. Situated in the Østlandet region, the settlement was originally established as the site of the Eidsvold Iron Works, a major industrial complex founded in 1624 by King Christian IV. Powered by the Andelva River, the ironworks operated for nearly two centuries under various prominent owners, including Duke Jacob of Courland and the Schlanbusch family, before being purchased by Carsten Anker in 1794. The village remains connected to the national rail network via the Eidsvoll Verk Station on the Gardermoen Line, serving as a tangible link to its industrial past.

The area is most renowned for the Eidsvoll Manor, a grand residence constructed around 1770 and extensively renovated by Anker circa 1800 in a classical architectural style inspired by contemporary Danish and French designs. Spanning over 2,000 square meters, the manor became the most modern private residence in Norway at the time. Its historical significance is paramount, as it served as the meeting place where the Constitution of Norway was signed on May 17, 1814, an event commemorated annually as Norwegian Constitution Day. Following Anker's bankruptcy in 1822, the estate was saved from auction through a public fundraiser organized by citizens led by Henrik Wergeland, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Today, the manor stands as a protected national monument and museum, symbolizing Norwegian democracy and independence. While the original iron works ceased operations in 1822, leaving behind remnants like the old mill, the village continues to thrive as a community centered around this profound heritage. The preservation efforts initiated in the mid-19th century secured the building for the state, allowing it to function as a cultural landmark that educates visitors about the country's founding moments. The site effectively merges the history of early Norwegian industry with the political birth of the modern nation.

![Photo of Eidsvoll Verk](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Eidsvollsbygninen.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eidsvoll_Verk (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)