Although Roskilde as a city became of secondary importance at the beginning of the 16th century after loosing its administrative status, it did not quieten down completely. In archaeological excavations, foundations of stone-built houses dating from the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century have been found near the Cathedral. In 1983 a cellar was discovered on the churchyard and glazed tiles, shards of earthenware pots and glass were recovered from it. To researchers these finds did not seem to suit a churchyard, but perhaps the King of Denmark, Christian IV, left a small hint: in a letter dated 26th October 1624 he disapproved of the keeping of a tavern on the churchyard and commanded it to be closed.
