| Summary: | In the early Modern Age, the knightly and later baronial House of Trčka of Lípa played the predominant role in the history of Opočno Manor. The original manor, limited to the immediate vicinity of Opočno, was purchased by junior Mikuláš Trčka of Lípa around 1495. The purchase marked the beginning of a successful expansion of the House of Trčka of Lípa into North-East Bohemia. Mikuláš Trčka of Lípa systematically bought out minor knightly estates, parts of villages and even individual holdings. During his lifetime the core of Trčka estates was formed, which then remained fairly stable until the House of Trčka died out in 1634 and the estate consequently crumbled in what is known as the Trčka Process. Smiřice Manor was being created simultaneously. The 70s and 80s saw a threat to the unity of the manor during inheritance feud after Vilém Trčka of Lípa's death in 1569, as he had bequeathed Opočno Manor to his sister Veronika. The marriage of Jaroslav Trčka of Lípa with his niece Johanka of Žerotín partially settled the disputes. His sons Vilém and Kryštof Jaroslav died in wars against Turks and, as they left no heirs, the manor was assigned to their uncle Jan Rudolf. Jan Rudolf was an aristocrat who kept his distance from religious frictions preceding the Battle of Bílá Hora. He maintained contacts with both...
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