Dobrzyń

Dobrzyń stands above the Vistula, an old stronghold that gave its name to the surrounding land. In 1228 Duke Konrad of Masovia granted it to the crusading brothers of Dobrzyń. Its position on the frontier later exposed the town to repeated conflict between Poland and the Teutonic Order. The knights captured Dobrzyń in 1329 and returned it under the peace of Kalisz in 1343. After being pledged to the order again, it was redeemed for Poland in 1404, only to be besieged and burned during the war of 1409. The First Peace of Toruń restored the town in 1411. In 1434 the nobles of Dobrzyń Land held their first recorded local assembly here.