Poland Travel: Chodecz - a small town with a long history

Chodecz first appears in historical sources dating from 1325-1327 as a village with its own parish church. It was granted town rights on November 2nd, 1442, by the Polish king Władysław Warneńczyk. The privilege was granted after a request made by Jan Kretkowski, the prefect of the Brzesko-Kujawski County, who was the owner of Chodecz and the neighboring lands from the 15th century until 1810. In the 16th century, the original manor house was replaced by a castle located on a hill between lakes. The town experienced development due to royal privileges granted during the 16th century. A stone church was constructed, and the residents made a living from crafts, trade, and farming. The town had 25 craftsmen and 2 tax chamber owners, with merchants specializing in grain, fur, horse, linen, hemp, salt, and fish trade.

However, the town faced challenges in the 17th century, including plagues and the Swedish occupation, which led to its impoverishment. During this time, the castle also burned down, and by 1662, only 20 houses remained in the town. In 1667, Chodecz was destroyed by troops heading for the Polish-Turkish war. The lack of defensive walls made it easy for the attackers to capture the town. Rebuilding efforts were hindered by the town's remote location from major routes. In the years 1772-1773, the town was captured and completely plundered and destroyed by the Prussian army. By 1775, only 35 houses were left, and by 1793, only 32 out of 54 residential plots were rebuilt. The town took on an agricultural character, with most inhabitants relying on farming. There were only 22 craftsmen with their own workshops. The town had a priest, organist, caretaker, teacher, midwife, brewery master, and innkeeper. Major goods traded included horses, linen, and hemp.

In the late 18th and early 19th century, a late-Baroque complex of buildings was constructed, including a columbarium, hospital, and cemetery church. In 1812, Chodecz lost its town rights but regained them in 1822. Textile traders, weavers, fur preparers, paint makers, and clippers settled in the town. A new church was built, and the town's urban layout was reorganized. In 1862, the town gained access to the Warsaw-Bydgoszcz rail line. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, small industrial works such as mills, slaughterhouses, dairies, and an oil-press were established. Protestantism arrived in the town in the 18th century, with a Protestant parish established in the early 19th century and a church built. Tsar Alexander I visited Chodecz in 1820. Currently, the town serves as a service and trade center for the surrounding agricultural area. Some industrial works, mainly in food processing and furniture-making, remain active. Tourism is also playing an increasingly important role in the town's economy.

Chodeczek Manor House