Radziłów

Radziłów is a village in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, historically associated with Masovia, which in the past held town rights. It was established under Chełmno law in 1454 by Prince Władysław I, and in 1495 it became a royal town. In the 16th century, it had its own privileges, such as the Radziłów county with a separate court, but in 1870 it was stripped of its town status and reduced to a village. The settlement went through various historical periods, including the Swedish wars, the Bar Confederation, and the January Uprising, during which one of the last skirmishes between the insurgents and the Russians took place. Radziłów was home to both a Roman Catholic church and a synagogue, reflecting its religious diversity. In the 19th century, the Jewish population grew significantly, making up 55% of the local community by 1914. Interestingly, the local school, established in 1868, served as a tool of Russification, with Russian being the dominant language of instruction. During World War II, Radziłów experienced tragic events, including a pogrom in 1941 in which approximately 800 Jews were murdered. Local landmarks include the synagogue and the Jewish cemetery, which bear witness to the town's rich history and culture. With its complex past and cultural diversity, Radziłów plays an important role in the regional history of Podlasie.