Šumperk

Šumperk developed in northern Moravia near the Jeseník mountains. In 1391, Margrave Jobst granted the town Magdeburg rights, including a privilege restricting competing production and trade within a mile of its gates. Brewing was also permitted.

Textile crafts helped the town prosper in the sixteenth century. Its inhabitants bought their freedom from lordship and in 1562 came directly under the Bohemian king. That position did not endure: after participation in the Bohemian Revolt, Šumperk lost its privileges in 1622 and passed to the Liechtenstein family. Swedish troops repeatedly took and looted the town between 1642 and 1646, and a major fire followed in 1669.