Racek Kobyla of Dvorce


Racek Kobyla of Dvorce was a Bohemian landowner, hetman of Wenceslas IV, and burgrave of Vyšehrad.

Biography

Not much is known about the early life of Racek. In 1403, he is first mentioned as being the overseer of silver mining at Stříbrná Skalice. In that year, the town was razed by Sigismund of Luxembourg and Racek initially retreated to Talmberk. Fleeing the continuing threat of Sigismund, Racek continued to Rataje nad Sázavou where he was received by Hanuš of Lipá.
In 1410, Racek was appointed burgrave of Vyšehrad by King Wenceslas. In 1412, he was permitted to build his castle, Komorní Hrádek, near modern day Chocerady. In 1415, Racek was mentioned as a patron of the Chocerady church.
In 1416, Racek was sent to Kutná Hora to collect taxes for the king. He was a known follower of the teachings of Jan Hus, who was proclaimed a heretic. On February 2nd, Racek and 12 of his associates were murdered in a tavern by a mob of miners fueled by religious fervor.
His castle, along with the villages of Chocerady, Údolnice, and Vráž, were left to his widow, Anna of Úlibic. His children were left under the guardianship of the knights Mikuláš Šraňek and Mikuláš of Reblic.

In popular culture

Racek features prominently in the video game as Sir Radzig Kobyla.