Michal Plavec:
Floating of timber between two Bohemian towns, Kolín and Nymburk, since the time of Emperor Charles IV

Abstract

The paper deals with the question of floating of timber on the river Elbe between Kolín and Nymburk in Bohemia from 14th century until the end of the Thirty-Years War. This part of the river is known as the middle Elbe. Majority of timber was rafted only to Veletov and/or Starý Kolín and transported from there to Kutná Hora for use in mines. Kutná Hora had the privilege to buy all of the rafted timber for the use in the mines. Only small amount of timber was allowed to float down the river, to Kolín, Poděbrady and/or Nymburk. There were no need to float more rafts until 1548 when property of royal towns was confiscated by the king because their participation in the resistance. Royal towns became lack of a timber due to the confiscation of municipal property. They had to buy timber at Giant Mountains and/or Eagle Mountains and float them down the river. Nymburk had been often at loggerheads with Kolín to get free held rafts and allow them to be floated forth. Kolín was – after the confiscation – in need for timber as well.

Language: czech

Keywords: Bohemia; middle Elbe; Nymburk; Kolín; Poděbrady; floating of timber; 14th – 17th century