Eske Bille (born ca. 1480, died 9 February 1552) was a Danishdiplomat and statesman
In 1510, he was made governor and commander atCopenhagen Castle. In 1514 he was transferred to Hagenskov onFunen.[1]
He served as Commander ofBergenhus from 1529 to 1537 andSteward of the Realm inDenmark from 1547 until his death. He became a member of theCouncil of the Realm in 1523 in Denmark and member of the Council of the Realm in 1533 in Norway. In 1537, he became a knight, the highest rank of Danish nobility.
Bille is most famous for the churches he had demolished inBergen, when he was Commander of Bergenhus, and he became known by the nickname "Church Breaker". He completed the demolition of Apostle Church (Apostelkyrkja) and demolished Christ Cathedral (Kristkyrkja). Both churches and other buildings had to be removed in order to enable the defense of the city and port.[2]
Eske Bille was a member of theBille family, which became the most politically powerful noble family of Denmark during his lifetime.He was a son of Peder Bille til Svanholm and Anne KnudsdatterGyldenstierne, brother of BishopOve Billeand first cousin of statesmanClaus Bille.[3][4][5]