Tczew is first named, as 'Trsow', in Grzymisław's charter of 1198 for the Knights of St John.
A fortress here is ascribed to Sambor I 'around 1200' (en.wikipedia), a date that cannot be pinned against 1 January 1200. Its later importance comes from the Vistula crossing: Sambor II moves his seat here from nearby Lubiszewo, a council exists by 1258, and Sambor II grants town law in 1260.
Who holds it
- Name
- Grzymisław in 1198 (named in his charter); later the house of Sobiesław
- Title
- lord of the place
- Since
- not pinned
- Born
- not applicable
- Confidence
- medium
Lord in 1200
Grzymisław in 1198 (named in his charter); later the house of Sobiesław
How things stand that morning
A riverside settlement in Grzymisław's land; whether Sambor's fortress already stands is not pinned.
Charter
None: no town law. In 1200 no place in Pomerelia has German or any other town law.
Communities
Pomeranian (Kashubian) villagers and river folk.
Militia
The lord's men and the district levy.
Walls and castle
A fortress of Sambor I 'around 1200' (not pinned); no walls.
Trade and crafts
Vistula crossing and river trade; fishing; weaving (the name is glossed 'weavers' town').
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- About 1200 (not pinned)Sambor I builds a fortress here.Depends on: Sambor gaining the ground Stopped by: Grzymisław keeping it
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: One charter mention (1198) and a later tradition of Sambor's fortress.
Primary sources for Pomerelia
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Chronicle of the Poles, by Master Vincent (Wincenty Kadłubek), Wincenty Kadłubek (about 1190 to 1208). Book 4 is a contemporary's account of the fight for the senior throne of Kraków. Read online
- The annals of the Kraków chapter and the other Polish annals (kept from the 11th century; the Kraków chapter annals continued to 1266). Short dated entries that fix the chronology Kadłubek blurs: the deaths of dukes and bishops, Mieszko the Old's captures of Kraków, Prussian raids on Masovia, church consecrations. Read online
- Pomeranian charter book, volume 1, 786 to 1253 (documents of 786 to 1253, edited 1868). All known charters for Pomerania and Rügen to 1253. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.