In the early Middle Ages there used to be a stronghold in the Krzesin Polder - the Szydłów Castellany. Aside from protecting the western borders, the Castellany’s location at the confluence of two large rivers gave Szydłów a major economic advantage. After the Castellany was captured by the margraves of Brandenburg, Szydłów lost its prominence and declined. The German village of Schiedlo, built on the site of the stronghold, was abandoned after a flood in 1909. If you look closely, you can still spot the ruins of the church, the Protestant cemetery and the remains of walls and buildings, as well as the Swedish trenches made there during the Thirty Years’ War.