As the chronicle written by the so called Beneš Minorita states, the Benešov Minorite Convent was established in 1247 by a provost of the Old Boleslav canonry Tobiáš of Benešov. Tobiáš was supposed to give the new community the Benešovicové family seat that was located on a promontory, nowadays known as Karlov, above the present day town. Only the remains of the pentagonal presbytery with two gothic windows were preserved.
Stajice Castle was founded by the knightly family of the Lords of Stajice on the top of Stejc Hill (466 m above sea level) between Maršovice and Zderadice sometime during the first half of the 14th century. The Knights of Stajice are relatives of the Drslavics. In 1348, the first documented owner of the castle, Jindřich of Stajice, is mentioned in the charter of Charles IV.
The castle is probably of royal foundation, although the beginnings of its history are not documented. The first written mention of Zbořený Kostelec (originally called Kostelec nad Sázavou) dates back to 1341, when King John of Luxembourg gave it as a pledge to Oldřich of Valdek, the owner of neighbouring Týnec.