Some time ago Richard Kopp asked for some information on the origin and
development of Marienburg and Elbing. Here they are:
Marienburg (pol. Malbork)
1274 Castle founded on the east bank of the river Nogat
1276 City founded
1309 Government of the German Knights transfered from Venice to
Marienburg
1410 after the battle of Tannenberg, which the Knights lost against the
polish king, the city was burned, the castle held strong, city hall and
church survived.
1454 The castle was sold
1772 3635 inhabitants
1895 10738
1939 27300
1945 destroyed 45%
Elbing (pol. Elblag)
Situated at a strategic crossing of different roads a camp was located
here in prehistoric times already (mentioned in 890).
1237 castle and city founded
1291 Main hospital of the German knights transfered from Akkon to Elbing
First harbor in Prussia, most important until the late 14th c. when
Danzig grew stronger than Elbing.
1454 the citizens of Elbing destroyed the castle to prevent the polish
king from taking over the stronghold
Elbing became an autonomous republic under the reign of the polish king
1579 Dutch mennonites immigrated
16/17th c. successful trade with England (Eastland Co.;London, Hull,
Newcastle, Ipswich). A number of english and scottish families settled
here (e.g. Achenwall (Auchinvole), Ramsey, Wilmson)
1703 Elbing became a prussian city.
1772 its autonomy ceased
19th c. Elbing was heavily industrialised by Schichau (ships, mechanical
engineering), Komnick (mechanical engineering, automobiles), L�ser and
Wolff (Tobacco)
1945 almost completely destroyed. Of the almost 100.000 80% fled west
during the battle.
1950 48 000 inhabitants
(Source: Handbuch der historischen St�tten, Ost- und Westpreussen, 1966)