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Vol. 84 (1995): Our Past

Articles

Chronicle notes of the Norbertines of Płock

  • Małgorzata Borkowska
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52204/np.1995.84.49-79  [Google Scholar]
Published: 1995-12-30

Abstract

The history of the Norbertine monastery in Płock, founded in the 12th century, is difficult to reconstruct due to the destruction of many documents during the war. Only two incomplete chronicles have been preserved. The first one dates back to the mid-17th century, and the second covers the 18th and early 19th centuries. A 17th-century chronicle describes the monastery as large and dynamic, with about 80 sisters, and the center of Norbertine life in Poland. The monastery was the site of reform after the Council of Trent, and its provost helped in this process. The chronicle ends in 1655 with the outbreak of war with Sweden. There are no other sources for the second half of the 17th century, apart from death records and a few diocesan documents. An important event of this period was Norbert's defense of his right to elect a provost against the interference of the bishop of Płock. In the 18th century, the monastery fell into ruin due to the mismanagement of one of the provosts. However, in 1719 the monastery was saved thanks to the decision of the abbot of Hebdow and the superior of the Norbertine province. Chronicles from the 18th century mainly describe construction and investment projects. In the following years, the chronicles describe the Napoleonic Wars and the relocation of the community to Czarnowąs. The monastery operated until 1864, when it was subjected to repression after the failure of the January Uprising. The lives of the sisters during this period have been well documented. The period 1864-1902 is practically a blank page in the chronicles, there is no information about the life of the monastery at that time.

References

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