The foundations and the benefactors of Nowodworski Schools in Cracow

Abstract

Nowodworski Schools, whose current institutionalized continuator is Bartłomiej Nowodworski High School, have a legacy of a long history. The idea to found private schools was initially brought forward by the authorities and professors of the Cracovian University in 1586. The project was finally launched in 1588 mainly due to energetic steps taken by the subsequent chancellor of the Cracovian University doctor of medicine – Stanisław Pik Zawadzki. Over the first decades of its existence the schools faced numerous hardship. The institution was underfunded and both professors and students were exposed to epidemics so frequent in those times, such as for instance the plague in September 1588. Some conservative professors of the University also called for closing the academic colonies. Despite all the predicaments, the institution managed to survive. The most important benefactor for private schools in those difficult years was a Cracovian bishop Piotr Tylicki (in office: 1607–1616), who with the consent of the local chapter, donated PLN 10 000 to fund a separate professor department where the professors were obliged to give a one hour daily lecture in The Upper College as well as 2 hour classes in pronunciation and stylistic in private schools. The situation, however, did not improved significantly. In those times of crisis of private schooling there appeared the foundations of the Knight of the Maltese Order – Barłomiej Nowodworski. Nowodworski was a benefactor for numerous institutions, however, his most famous charity was his foundations for Nowodworski Schools. He donated PLN 8000 in 1612, 1617 and PLN 7000 in 1619 making it possible for those private schools to survive the difficult times. Nowodworski Schools had many benefactors, however, besides the foundation of B. Nowodworski the most prominent benefactors were Gabriel Prewancjusz Władysławski. He donated PLN 50 000. Thanks to his efforts and with the contribution from the King new premises for the private schools were built in 1643.