The oldest archaeological findings which provide first signs of the
settlement in this area date back to the 5th millennium BC. Various
cultures succeeded one on another in the territory of today’s town of
Chrudim and its vicinity. Chrudim town was established before 1276 and
soon after became to be a dowry town of Bohemian Queens.
During the
reign of Maria Theresa, Chrudim became the centre of the region and, in
1751, the seat of regional offices. The town was not only the natural
but also the administrative centre of Chrudim region. The 18th and
especially the 19th centuries brought vigorous development. The medieval
ground plan of the historical heart of the town and its suburbs were no
longer able to meet the growing requirements. The population reached
13,000 inhabitants at the end of the 19th century. The first industrial
factory, with its foundry and forge, and a shoe factory launched
industrial development. Social life also greatly expanded in the second
half of the 19th century. Remarkable number of schools and cultural and
social events led Chrudim to well known as “Athens of Eastern Bohemia”
