Yaropolch

Yaropolch was a fortified town on the Klyazma, traditionally attributed to Prince Yaropolk Vladimirovich in the twelfth century. Its earthen ramparts and wooden walls guarded a princely centre on the eastern approaches to the Vladimir-Suzdal lands. Archaeological finds show an earlier Merya and Slavic presence in the area. The old town was destroyed in the Mongol invasions, but the name survived in the surrounding district.

The road along the Klyazma later encouraged the growth of the neighbouring Vyazniki settlement. In the seventeenth century a new fortified Yaropolch was built at the village of Minino, several kilometres from the old site. The two settlements developed together, although by the middle of the eighteenth century trading and industrial Vyazniki had surpassed the palace town. In 1778 Vyazniki became a district town, carrying forward the history of settlement on this stretch of the river.