Poziom alfabetyzacji szlachty płockiej w XVII wieku

The literacy level of the Polish nobility living in 17th century Płock depended mainly on financial situation. The magnates could afford to educate their offspring at home by private teachers. Sending young noblemen on a journey across Europe was another way of education. Less wealthy families sent their sons to Jesuit colleges, where education was free. Girls’ education was not popular. Women were prepared to run households and raise children. On the basis of signatures from the town’s register, research was conducted into the level of education of the Płock nobility. Depending on the type of signature, the literacy of people belonging to this social class was determined. Those who signed with the phrase manu propria were educated, while those who signed with the phrase ręka trzymana (hand held) did not receive any education.