Foundations of Economic Power
Piotr (d. 1480), the heir of Lubomierz, the town from which he adopted his name, is regarded the progenitor of the Lubomirski family, which emerged from the Szreniawici family. Economic foundations of the family were built on the exploitation of salt mines in Kraków province. Mineshafts were leased from rulers of Poland. The Lubomirski family also established private mines in the Małopolska province. Sebastian (c. 1546 – 1613), who in 1581 became a mine administrator of Kraków, was the creator of economic power. It was the first position in the capital city performed by a representative of the family. While taking it up, Sebastian made use of the support of Stefan Batory. Sebastian received the title of Count of Wiśnicz from the Emperor Rudolf II in 1595; in 1591 he entered the Senate as a governor of Małogoszcz. He opened a private salt mine shaft “Kunegunda” in Siercza, which was exploited for about 100 years.
Money gained from the salt trade allowed the Lubomirski family to lend money even to the richest persons in the country. This, in turn, enabled them to purchase properties or take over them from insolvent debtors. The family built up its economic position for many generations, accumulating assets held for centuries.
Read more about this topic: Lubomirski Family
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