The involvement of Żywiec's guilds their full members in the authorities of the town of Żywiec until 1778

Abstract

Żywiec is a town that was founded at the turn of the 13^th and 14^th centuries. It was a private town operating according to the rules set by its owners, which also applied to its self-government. Żywiec did not have a wealthy merchant class, but it boasted a numerous and strong common citizenry. Its members formed craft guilds, numbering a few, at most ten. During the period under study (until 1778), representatives of these guilds, due to their urban affiliation and high status among the townspeople, often served on the town council and in municipal positions. The strongest and most prosperous guilds, such as cobblers, tailors, and weavers, had the largest share in self-government at that time. Many mayors and commune heads of guild provenance served their function multiple times or held various positions during their municipal careers. Sometimes, among the members of the town's self-government, one could also find individuals who were related to each other.