Page 42 - Microsoft Word - Broschüre englisch.doc

During her reign, Empress Maria Theresa confirmed all the town’s
freedoms and town rights, and enacted important regulations on the
mining of iron. In 1781 Maria Theresa’s son, Joseph II, cancelled the
right to mine iron, and this led to the impoverishment of the town.

Trade and commerce in St. Veit

Small business was organised into 19 guilds, and
there were also individual representatives of
unattached trades. These so-called “free artists”
included the doctor, the apothecary and one
goldsmith, bell founder, sculptor and painter.

In 1362 Duke Rudolph IV awarded the citizens of St. Veit an annual
market, the famous Wiesenmarkt. Until a few decades ago its
predominant function was as a flea market and cattle market.

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The industrial businesses in the south perished at the end of the 19
century. The three breweries were important, and were the reason why
a lot of hop-growing took place around the town.

St. Veit and mining

In 1399 Duke Willhelm enacted a staple
right in respect of iron for the benefit of
St. Veit. In accordance with this, all the
iron transported southwards had to be
taken to St. Veit and placed in interim
storage here, and offered for sale to the
local dealers.
The storage of iron was of crucial
importance for the economic heyday of
the town over the next centuries.
The ironmongers of St. Veit had been amongst the richest and most
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powerful families in the land since the 15 century. They provided the

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