Klin

Klin stands on the Sestra between Moscow and Tver. Mentioned in a chronicle under 1317, it was a fortified town of the Tver lands, exposed to the struggles of rival princes and attacks from the steppe. Edigu's forces devastated its fortress in the early fifteenth century. The town later passed to Moscow, losing much of its frontier importance as stronger fortifications stood farther west.

Under Ivan IV, Klin became part of the #italic oprichnina#!. In 1569 the tsar's forces ravaged the town on their march against Novgorod, killing inhabitants and plundering homes. Ivan subsequently left Klin and its district to his son in 1572. The Assumption Monastery, associated with the bishops of Tver, retained a place in the town's religious life; a document of 1545 records a gift to its clergy. Later the road between Moscow and Saint Petersburg gave the town a new role as a stopping place for travellers.