The story
The first written mention of Hrádek is from 1325, when King John of Bohemia donated Hrádek to Peter I of Rosenberg. The village of Nová Huť (literally 'new smelter') gained its name in 1854.
Since Middle Ages the Klabava valley region specialised in iron ore mining and iron production. This industrial aspect was further strengthened in the 20th century when both communities (Hrádek and Nová Huť) formed functionally one settlement with their economy centered around the Hrádecké železárny ironworks. Later both villages merged into one municipality.
After World War II, local steelworks have expanded filling most of the area along the Klabava River. These investments were accompanied by massive residential construction that completely transformed Hrádek. New housing project grew in area between old Hrádek and Nová Huť villages covering the plateau south of the Klabava River. Rapid population growth followed and Hrádek acquired urban character. In 1970, Hrádek was promoted to a town.
From Wikipedia’s article on Hrádek (Rokycany District), shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.5