The Monks' Brick Kiln

The foundation of Vejle's medieval times. Here the Vejle Black Friars monks produced bricks in the 1300th century. Perhaps this was also where the stones for St. Nicolai's Church were made, already in the first half of the 1200th century.

When Munkenes Teglovn was discovered in the early 1900s, citizens of Vejle raised money to build a protective building over the ruin. The brick kiln building was restored in 1983.

The history of the brick kiln

In Klostergade, a Dominican monastery of Black Friars, so called because of their black robes, was founded around 1310. The monastery was probably founded by the king's highest official, Drost Laurids Joensen.

Historians believe that the monks took over a church that already stood on the site. The monastery's first building was constructed of wood, but in 1355 there were plans to build a monastery church of brick. Perhaps the brick kiln, nicknamed the Monks' Brick Kiln, was built at that time.

In the same year, Laurids Joensen's son received permission from the Pope to sell indulgences. This was to raise money to improve the monastery's buildings. Over the years, construction was carried out on the monastery. A new church, a south wing, a tower and an east wing, and probably also a north and west wing, were added. The monastery was closed down in 1529, and in 1531 the king transferred the buildings to the city.

When you bought an indulgence, you believed that you were forgiven for your sins. The letter ensured that you were closer to a place in heaven when you died. The income from indulgences was of great importance to the Catholic Church.

Munkenes Teglovn is part of the Vejle Museums. Find all current exhibitions and events for the museums at www.vejlemuseerne.dk.

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