777th Anniversary of City Rights for Szczecin

On the occasion of 777th anniversary of obtaining city rights by Szczecin, within Clised-but-Open action ( #otwartechoćzamknięte ) we have prepared a series of publications

– including presentations of collections related to West Pomerania and Szczecin (from archaeology to present times). Find more at our Facebook profile: CLICK

 

On April 3rd 1243 Duke Barnim I the Good granted Szczecin city rights. It was, however, not a single action, but a long economical and political process, finalised by negotiations between the municipal society, rperesented by burgomaster, Duke's feudatory Werner Barvoth and the Duke himself. The final act of the city location according to German Magdeburg law was issued by Barnim I the Good in 1243, what was confirmed in 1293 by Duke Bogislav IV. Obtaining city rights meant excluding the citizens from ducal legal jurisdiction, giving the city agricultural areas and forests, trade privileges, freedem of goods management and release from ducal financial duties. The citizens were obligued to take part in the duchy defence and its diplomatic actions. The location document determinded the municipal community borders and the forms of its internal government. It also resulted in outlining a city market, new street network and city fortifications. 

 

We, Barnim, by the grace of God Duke of Pomerania, hereby announce that our city of Szczecin is granted the same laws that rule Magdeburg. Moreover, we give it a hundred lans of ground. For each of those they should pay us one measure of silver. We also give it thirty lans of pastures, the right to fish in the Oder River, one mile of the river upwards and downwards from the city, and the right to benefit from our forests thereby. Wherever the Magdeburg law is followed in our country, they may refer to Szczecin for any dispute. Our citizens of Szczecin are hereby released from duties and other burdens on the whole land that belongs to us, with the exception of Dziwnow and Kolobrzeg, where they should pay half the duties. We also give them meadows and pastures, one mile in width on both sides of the Oder River, unless they are needed by us or our vassals. Our meadows, that we own separately, shall remain kept by us. We have also decidcced that the duty for wagons shall be paid: four pfennigs for each horse for those who are bound to pay it; they shall also pay half-quarter for each three measures of their goods. 

 

 

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