Bejc
A minor medieval noble kindred in the Kingdom of Hungary, associated with estates in Vas County.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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History
The Bejc kindred was a minor medieval noble gens of the Kingdom of Hungary. Medieval Hungarian gentes were extended aristocratic lineages whose identity was connected to family descent, landholding, and political or ecclesiastical service. The surviving record does not establish the clan's origin. Its principal territorial association was Vas County in Western Transdanubia, where it held lands near the settlement that bore the Bejc name. That settlement later became part of Bejcgyertyános after Bejc and Hegyhátgyertyános were merged following 1927. The best-known member of the kindred was Farkas. During the last decade of Béla IV's reign, he served the royal court and the Hungarian church. From 1262 to 1268 he was provost of Székesfehérvár and vice-chancellor of the royal court, making him an important administrative and ecclesiastical figure. His candidacy for the bishopric of Zagreb in 1262 was unsuccessful, but he subsequently became Bishop of Győr in 1268. He held the Győr bishopric until his death in 1269 or 1270. The forest known as Farkas-erdő, situated between Káld and Bejcgyertyános, is traditionally associated with his name. Farkas's family also benefited from royal patronage. His brother Paul had a son, Nicholas, who received Hricsó Castle in 1265 from Béla IV. The castle is now known as Hričovské Podhradie and lies in present-day Slovakia. Stephen V confirmed the grant in 1271. Ownership was contested by Dominic Balassa, a former ispán of Sáros County, but the royal judge Alexander Karászi decided in Nicholas's favor in 1272. The settlement did not remain permanent: in 1278 Nicholas sold the castle to Biter Balassa, Dominic's cousin, together with its weapons, servants, and chattels, for 70 marks. A later record from 1361 shows that members of the lineage still controlled estates across several medieval counties. Michael, son of Mark and grandson of a person recorded only as P, sold Nagypróna, Kispróna, and Béla to another family member named John, son of Paul. The settlements are associated with locations in present-day Slovakia, including Pravenec and Belá. This transaction is among the last documented references to the kindred. The Bejc clan appears to have ceased as a distinct recorded lineage by the middle of the fourteenth century.
Farkas becomes a royal vice-chancellor
[1]Farkas of the Bejc kindred served as provost of Székesfehérvár and vice-chancellor of the Hungarian royal court. He was also considered for the bishopric of Zagreb but was not selected.
Nicholas receives Hricsó Castle
[1]Béla IV granted Hricsó Castle to Nicholas, the nephew of Farkas, linking the Bejc family to a significant royal land grant.
Farkas becomes Bishop of Győr
[1]Farkas advanced from royal and cathedral administration to the bishopric of Győr, which he held until his death around 1269 or 1270.
Stephen V confirms the castle grant
[1]King Stephen V confirmed Nicholas's possession of Hricsó Castle.
Royal judgment supports Nicholas's ownership
[1]Royal judge Alexander Karászi ruled in favor of Nicholas after Dominic Balassa contested his right to Hricsó Castle.
Nicholas sells Hricsó Castle
[1]Nicholas sold Hricsó Castle, together with its weapons, servants, and movable property, to Biter Balassa for 70 marks.
Family estates are transferred
[1]Michael, son of Mark, sold the estates of Nagypróna, Kispróna, and Béla to another member of the family. This is one of the last recorded transactions involving the kindred.
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