Gіrsk: town that did not befell.

Abstract

The article is devoted to the history of urban processes of such a settlement as Hirsk in Chernihiv region. The uniqueness of this village is that its development began in ancient times and probably has not stopped until today, which is unique to the region of the North Left Bank. On the basis of written, cartographic sources, as well as archaeological materials, the article attempts to identify the main stages of development of this settlement. Another feature is that from time to time it changed its status from village to town and vice versa. In terms of urban planning, Hirsk uniqueness is in its medieval planning structure that has been preserved in the central part of the city. It includes a motte-and-bailey castle of the owner, which was located on an ancient hillfort, a market square in front of it, church complexes and a system of streets that was formed at least in the XVI-XVII centuries. Also, due to the information from the historical sources for the Hirsk city, it is possible to more or less clearly trace the dynamics of population change since the end of the XV century and until the beginning of the XXI century. Also in this work was made an attempt to single out the reasons why Hirsk, having all the potentials becoming a city at the first stage of its existence, did not turn into it. It is clear that the key role in development was played by its town status as a privately owned settlement, as well as limited influence, albeit a significant but underdeveloped agricultural suburb.