Pledges as state financing deeds in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the early sixteenth century

In: Roczniki dziejów społecznych i gospodarczych: Social and economic history annals, Band 83, Heft Specjalny, S. 23-50

Abstract

The article focuses on the practice of grand-ducal demesne pledging in 1502–1522. Close attention is paid to pledge deed types and the rules of the disposition of the pledged property. The research demonstrates that open-ended contracts prevailed during the discussed period. This type of deed allowed the creditors to use the entire income of the pledged property for an indefinite period. Fixed-term agreements limiting the use of the pledged property for several years and more beneficial for the treasury were relatively rare. They primarily occurred when a former contract was being renewed, or a creditor changed, making it possible to modify the earlier provisions.