Established between 1000 and 1197 Glostrup boasts a rich history. Its name originates from its founder Glob. The town’s earliest mention dates between 1186 and 1197 as Glostorp. However Glostrup church built around 1150 shows a thriving community existed even earlier.
For centuries much of Glostrup’s land belonged to Roskilde Cathedral. This changed after the Reformation in 1536 when the Crown confiscated it. By 1682 Glostrup was a fertile area with eight farms and thirteen houses. Most smallholders worked for the farmers.
Glostrup truly transformed in 1847 with the opening of its railway station. This was one of the original stops on Denmark’s first railway line connecting Copenhagen to Roskilde. The town’s character changed. Its population significantly increased during the late 19th century. A poorhouse opened in 1862 followed by a pharmacy in 1864 a school in 1876 and a telephone connection in 1886.
The 20th century saw Glostrup’s industrial growth. Lever Brothers established a soap factory in 1924. Glostrup Hospital opened in 1958 becoming a major employer. This hospital currently employs over 3200 people.
Glostrup’s growth accelerated after World War II. Its population doubled between 1947 and 1960. This was fuelled by Copenhagen’s expanding suburbs. Glostrup became a key part of the Copenhagen Finger Plan of 1947 a development plan for the city.
The Glostrup Housing Association founded in 1943 played a vital role in shaping the town. It built 1200 housing units between 1956 and 1965. This transformed Glostrup from a village into a suburb. The association’s efforts influenced the town’s housing stock. More than half the dwellings are between 60 and 99 square meters.
In 1953 Glostrup decided to build a new town hall. Arne Jacobsen a renowned architect was selected. The new town hall opened in 1959. Today Glostrup continues to thrive as a suburb of Copenhagen combining modern industry commerce and public institutions. Its history is one of transformation from a small village into a significant town in the greater Copenhagen area. Explore Glostrup’s rich past its modern amenities and its vibrant present.