Carsten Anker facts for kids
Carsten Tank Anker (born November 17, 1747, died March 13, 1824) was an important Norwegian businessman and politician. He was also a civil servant, which means he worked for the government. Carsten Anker is known as one of the "Fathers of the Constitution of Norway."
He owned a special house in Akershus called Eidsvollsbygningen. This is where Norway's first National Assembly met. This meeting was very important for Norway's independence.
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Carsten Anker's Early Life
Carsten Anker was born in Frederikshald, Norway. His father, Erik Ancher, was a trader. Carsten was also the cousin of another famous person, Bernt Anker.
When he was just 12 years old, in 1759, Carsten went on a long trip abroad. He traveled with his brother Peter and four cousins from Christiania.
Later, from 1771 to 1772, he worked as an envoy. This means he was a representative for big Norwegian trading companies. He went to Stockholm, Sweden, to try and get better deals for timber (wood) trade. This trip was not very successful.
While in Sweden, some people thought he might be working on secret political plans. When the Swedish king, Gustav III, took more power, Carsten was asked to return home to Copenhagen.
Working for the Government
After returning, Carsten Anker started his career as a civil servant. He worked for the government in different roles.
- In 1774, he became a secretary in a department that dealt with farming and trade.
- By 1781, he was a deputy in the Mining Directory, which managed mines.
- He also received honorary titles like etatsråd and konferensråd. These titles showed his high standing.
- In 1779, he was even made a member of the nobility.
When the Mining Directory closed in 1791, Carsten Anker received a pension. But he still had an important job. He became the first director of a special committee. This committee was in charge of the government's glassmaking companies in Norway.
In 1792, he became the first director of the Danish Asia Company. He held this job until 1811. He also bought a very important place in Norway: the historic Eidsvoll Ironworks. In 1804, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a special honor for people who have done great things in science.
Time Away from Norway
From 1805, Carsten Anker lived in London for a while. He was there to handle business for the Danish Asia Company. He worked with the English East India Company. He did a very good job with these tasks.
In 1807, he helped the government with a large money deal in Hamburg. He also arranged a deal for ship timber for the navy. In 1811, he moved back to Norway permanently. He settled at his home, Eidsvoll Ironworks.
Friendship with Prince Christian Frederik
While living in Copenhagen, Carsten Anker became very good friends with Christian Frederik. Christian Frederik was the prince who was next in line to the throne.
In 1813, Prince Christian Frederik came to Norway. He was the stattholder, which means he was the king's representative. Anker quickly became one of the prince's closest advisors.
After the Treaty of Kiel was signed, Norway was supposed to be given to Sweden. But Prince Christian Frederik wanted Norway to be independent. He held an important meeting at Eidsvoll. This meeting, called the Meeting of Notables, happened on February 16, 1814. At this meeting, it was decided that Norway should declare its independence. They also decided to hold a National Assembly, which would also take place at Eidsvoll.
The National Assembly of 1814
Before the National Assembly met, Carsten Anker had left Norway. Because of this, he could not take his place in the new Norwegian government. He had been appointed as a government councillor for the economy.
In March 1814, he traveled across the North Sea to England. His goal was to promote Norway's interests. He tried to create disagreements between Sweden and other powerful countries. However, he did not achieve much.
In 1815, he was no longer a state councillor. He returned to Norway. There, he became close friends with the crown prince, Karl Johan.
Carsten Anker's Later Years
In the last years of his life, Carsten Anker faced financial difficulties. His ironworks business almost closed down. However, he continued to manage the government's glassmaking companies. He passed away during a visit to a glassworks factory in Biri.
Carsten Anker was also interested in books and writing. He supported artists and writers. He had a very large collection of old writings and books. In 1784, he married Hedvig Caroline Ernestine Christine Wegener.
