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The article analyses the history of the Scottish settlement in Chełmno (Culm), one of the most important centres of Roman Catholicism in Royal Prussia (province of the Kingdom of Poland). An attempt is made to establish the size of this colony and describe their economic, spiritual, cultural and social activities. The participation of the Scots and their descendants in the local government and guilds, as well as their contribution to the local parish and the Catholic Church as a whole are also discussed.
Key words: Scottish emigration, Scots, Poland, Chełmno (Culm).
Słowa kluczowe: Imigracja szkocka, Szkoci, Polska, Chełmno (Culm).
This Culm is very ancient and hath been of great account in former tymes, which may appear by its giving name to all that district; and the common law, which is observed throughout all Prussia, is ordinarily called Culmish law. It was fortifyed by the [...] wi [...] with a very strong brick wall of a large circumference. It is but meanly inhabited, and slenderly builded; only about the market place are some very faire houses, with wealthy indwellers. . It is under the jurisdiction of a bishop, who hath his title from it, and resideth in a towne abouth 15 miles from thence, called Libava. It hath its owne magistrates and peculiar lawes and very great and ancient priviledges. ... It hath within the towne 3 monasteryes, a Dominican, Franciscan, and of Votaresses, and a large cathedrall.1
In the early modem period, Chełmno (Kulm), in Royal Prussia, was one of the most important centres of Roman Catholicism in that part of the Kingdom of Poland. As Patrick Gordon lively described it, the city was indeed a historic municipality, dating back to the eleventh century. Granted city rights in 1233, Chełmno quickly became one of the most important political, administrative and economic centres of the Teutonic Knights' state. During the course of the late Middle Ages, the city joined the Hanseatic League. However, after 200 years of prosperity it suffered a gradual decline as a result of the Thirteen Years' War and the subsequent occupation by the Teutonic mercenaries in the second half of the fifteenth century. In 1466, Chełmno was incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland and forty years later the control of...