Anniversary of defeating pro-Cossate rebels in conflict of Castle of Czorsztyn.
Today, in our calendar we will look at a little-known episode from the time of the Chmielnicki Uprising – the rebellion of Polish peasants led by Alexander Kostka-Napierski. The past of the rebellion begins at the outbreak of the Chmielnicki Uprising and the death of King Władysław IV, in the spring of 1648. At the time, the Polish noble Alexander Kostka-Napierski was in Sweden, where he tried to enlist in the service of the local ruler. It is not known how his proposal was considered, but it is clear that he has become a Swedish peculiar Agent. In 1650 Napierski stayed in Chehryn where he most likely met Chmielnicki himself. But it is certain that after his stay in the city, he went on a mission to the 7 Garden. In the spring of 1651, he appeared on the Podhale where he preached that he would recruit soldiers for a fresh run against the Cossacks. In fact, its aim was to make ideological diversion and to make a peasant uprising on the back of the Polish troops going to Beestek. Napierski utilized a royal letter ordering him to form troops. This letter was forged by his associate – a teacher from Pcimia, Marcin Radocki. They both sowed propaganda among the peasants calling for a fight against the nobility. Reportedly, fraudsters besides referred to a relation with Chmielnicki, who allegedly promised to support the anti-feudal revolt of the armed community. Napierski managed to recruit about 40 peasants. He moved with them towards the castle in Czorsztyn, which he seized on 14 June 1651. He established his base there and joined the next hauls in Podhale and Silesia. On June 22, he released a universe calling for a widespread anti-feudal uprising. He referred to him in support of King John Casimir. Powering his forces, the peasants were promised the immediate aid of the Seven-Grodians, Chmielnicki and Tatars. Although there is no direct evidence, the full action looked inspired by Cossack. It is besides possible that it was coordinated, as evidenced by the fact that at the same time, peasants in Wielkopolska appeared against the nobility. The bishop Piotr Gembicki, who was not deceived by lies about royal orders, was energetically countered against Napierski. The same sent a banner of dragoons to the castle of Czorsztyn, which nevertheless was repulsed.
Alexander Kostka-Napierski impaled (figure)Soon, information about the rebellion reached the king himself. From the Crown Army camp close Berestek, a large driving force was deployed to calm the people, which could have been useful in the upcoming trial with Chmielnicki. He was busy, too. He tried to increase his strength to respective 1000 soldiers and moved to Kraków. Unfortunately for him, the envoys gathered much slower than the bishops and royal troops. On June 24, its office was besieged by a 1000 nobles with respective cannons. Attackers stormed violently. However, the defence was fierce in the face of a numerical advantage of the enemy, futile. The peasants were killed, and the remainder of them gave up the nobles of their leaders: Aleksandra Kostka – Napierski and Stanisław Łętowski. shortly Radock was besides arrested. They were imprisoned in Kraków. During the trial Kostka-Napierski was accused of falsifying authoritative writings, inciting peasants to emergence up and agent activities for Polish enemies. He was tortured, but he didn't quit his powers. To the end, he keyed, gave false names, and claimed to be the boy of King Władysław IV. On July 18, 1651, he was sentenced to death by being impaled. The conviction was executed on the same day.
In the times of PRL, a propaganda movie entitled Podhale in FireWhose hero was Kostka Napierski. He was falsely portrayed as a large supporter of peasants and an enemy of the serfdom. The scandal is that to this day this traitor has in Poland respective streets of his name e.g. in Warsaw.
Link to erstwhile entry from our calendar Here.
