Brodnica

Brodnica grew on the Drwęca under the Teutonic Order, receiving town privileges in 1298 under its old German name of Strasburg. Its Gothic church of Saint Catherine rose over many decades, while the river and the route between Mazovia and Prussia encouraged commerce. The town joined the Prussian Confederation in 1440 and pledged allegiance to the Polish king during the revolt against the Order in 1454.

After the Thirteen Years' War, the Peace of Toruń confirmed Brodnica as part of Poland. Grain trade along the Drwęca enriched the royal town, whose surviving granaries recall that prosperity. Between 1604 and 1625 the estate was held by Anna Vasa, sister of King Sigismund III. The town's position between waterways and trading roads remained central to its fortunes.