Žejdlicové & Bechyňové

Žejdlicové was an old knight dynasty from Silesia, known since 14th century. In 1386 they bought an estate in Schönfeld (today Žižkovo Pole near Havlíčkův Brod) and were known since then as Žejdlicové from Šenfeld. Later they got also Nelahozeves, Stochov, or Lány. Bechyňové founded their dynasty in 15th century and share same ancestors with Žejdlicové from Šenfeld. Initially Bechyňové were known as Žejdlicové from Lažany. Since 1410 they owned castle Krakovec in western Bohemia, and at 1414 they got also the domain of Bechyně in southern Bohemia, after which the dynasty was renamed to Bechyňové from Lažany. Both dynasties shared the same coat of arms - three red carps on a silver shield. These are a reminder of three Žejdlic brothers that found a ford over a flooded river for the royal army.