Plch: History by the drained pond

Plch was founded in 1777 on the site of a drained pond. Its history can be explored through its settlement layout, water management, and a historic road connection. Those considering a destination’s origins and development will find several distinct historical connections in Plch, spanning different periods and themes.

Rebuilding and the layout of the village

After the houses, built mostly of wood and thatched with straw, were demolished, Plch was rebuilt at its present location as a settlement laid out in two rows. Today, the village consists of a single street, about 700 metres long. The rebuilding and the present-day street layout describe different aspects of the village’s development: the two-row layout is part of the history of the reconstruction, while the single street and its approximate length help visitors find their way around.

Water in the village’s history

A dam running from Dolany to Osice still recalls the former pond. Water from Plch flowed through it towards Dolany. Local water management also included a drainage ditch known as “plchovský odpad”; a basin was built in a second depression. These features add further aspects of water management and landscape design to the history of the founding pond.

The name and historic road connection

The name Plch is associated with a hereditary tenant named Plch and with meadows known as “Plchové olšiny.” This explanation of the name brings together a person and a local field name.

The history of transport also has a specific date: in 1846, the road connection from Plch to neighbouring Staré Ždánice, and from there to the so-called Hradec Road, the road from Přelouč to Hradec Králové, was established. This date places the connection in the historical timeline alongside the village’s founding in 1777. There were 69 years between the founding in 1777 and the road connection in 1846.

Local events

Entertainment events are held several times a year at the municipality-owned local pub under the auspices of local organisations. If an event like this is important to your trip, check the specific dates in advance.

A New Year’s walk together, with sausages roasted, was announced for 1 January 2023. A traditional gathering of witches and wizards, with refreshments provided, was announced for 30 April 2024. Visits by the Three Kings, with traditional singing, were announced for 6 January 2024. A visit by the Three Kings was announced for 6 January 2025. These examples bring together different local occasions, each with a specific date; for a later stay, the relevant date is the one currently announced for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Časy, Jankovice, Svinčany, Horní Ředice, Choltice, Libišany, Chýšť, Bukovina Nad Labem.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Pardubice.