 But excavations have revealed evidence of earlier constructions also mentioned in texts under the name "Essendrup" dating back to 1340.The construction of Gammel Estrup was started around 1490 by nobleman Lave Eskesen Brock (died 1503) who built a moated fortress on the site.But it was his great-grandson, Eske Brock (1560-1625) who rebuilt and modernized the manor.