Sieradz County

Sieradz County (Polish: powiat sieradzki) is a unit of territorial administration and local government (powiat) in Łódź Voivodeship, central Poland. It came into being on January 1, 1999, as a result of the Polish local government reforms passed in 1998. Its administrative seat and largest town is Sieradz, which lies 54 kilometres (34 mi) west of the regional capital Łódź. The county contains three other towns: Złoczew, lying 23 km (14 mi) south-west of Sieradz, Warta, lying 14 km (9 mi) north-west of Sieradz, and Błaszki, 23 km (14 mi) west of Sieradz.

The county covers an area of 1,491.04 square kilometres (575.7 sq mi). As of 2006 its total population is 121,013, out of which the population of Sieradz is 44,045, that of Złoczew is 3,403, that of Warta is 3,388, that of Błaszki is 2,179, and the rural population is 67,998.

Neighbouring counties

Sieradz County is bordered by Turek County and Poddębice County to the north, Zduńska Wola County and Łask County to the east, Wieluń County to the south, Wieruszów County to the south-west, and Ostrzeszów County and Kalisz County to the west.

Sieradz

Sieradz [ˈɕerat͡s] (Latin: Syradia, German: Schieratz) is a town on the Warta river in central Poland with 44,326 inhabitants (2004). It is situated in the Łódź Voivodeship (since 1999), but was previously the eponymous capital of the Sieradz Voivodeship (1975–1998), and historically one of the minor duchies in Greater Poland.

It is one of the oldest towns in Poland, thrice being a location for the coronation of the Polish monarchs. The town was attacked by the Tartars, Bohemians and Teutonic Knights. Polish Kings chaired six assemblies from here.

History

The oldest settlements can be traced back to almost 6th century. King Casimir the great had built the Castle of Sieradz.

In the mid 13th century it was conferred with Municipal rights. It had also welcomed many settlers from Scotland & Netherlands after the 13th century. During the fragmentation of Poland, it was the site of the Duchy of Sieradz.

In 1445 the election of King Casimir Jagiellonian took place at this town. Until the 16th century the town used to be important trade centre. Merchants from Spain & Portugal were frequently visiting the town for Trade and commerce. In the 17th century due to the Swedish wars, plagues, fires and floods the town lost its trading importance and fell from its prime. In the 18th century the reconstruction of town commenced. The residents during that time were only approximately 1500.