Wirek

Originally, the area belonged to Kochłowice. First a settlement called Nowa Wieś (lit. New Village) was established. Wirek would later be developed around Antonienhütte ironworks, opened in 1805, and became a separate municipality in 1828. In the second half of the nineteenth century, the settlement grew owing to industrial development. A school was opened in 1856; a Roman Catholic church in 1874; and a year later, a rail connection with Chebzie was constructed. The municipality lost its independence in 1870.

In 1921, Wirek became part of Polish Autonomous Silesian Voivodeship. In 1924 Nowa Wieś again absorbed Wirek. A town hall was built in years 1929–1930. During World War II, it was occupied by Germany. In 1948 Nowa Wieś was renamed to Wirek.[2]

Wirek was merged into Nowy Bytom in 1951,[3] and as part of Nowy Bytom was amalgamated with Ruda to form Ruda Śląska on December 31, 1958.[4]

• Franz Machon

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  Mail office
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  Saint Lawrence church
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  Lutheran church
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  Synagogue, destroyed in 1939