The Order of Cistercians from Wąchock probably founded the wooden church of Saint Giles at Wierzbica, which became the center of a Roman Catholic parish.

In 1229, Princess Grzymisława of Łuck, together with her son Bolesław V the Chaste, met at Wierzbica with Prince Konrad I of Masovia and several church leaders.

The village received Magdeburg rights from King Kazimierz Jagiellończyk in Radom, on July 12, 1469, upon the request of Abbot Jakub from Wąchock.

Residents of the newly founded town were allowed to create their own local council, and hold weekly markets on Saturdays, as well as three fairs annually (April 11, July 25 and September 14).

The town quickly developed, enjoying the support of the powerful Wąchock Monastery, and by the late 15th century, had grown larger than the local urban centers of Radom and Iłża.