Serf Obligations, Manorial Revenues, and Demesne Farming on the Muráň Estate between 1657 and 1686
Serf Obligations, Manorial Revenues, and Demesne Farming on the Muráň Estate between 1657 and 1686

Summary/Abstract: The Murány estate was one of the significant estates in Gömör County. Various smaller or larger source analyses and studies have been written about its history. Primarily, the estate’s 16th-century economy has been explored in more detail, while fewer studies are available from the 17th century. Thus, the economic activity of the Murány estate during this period remains largely unprocessed. The primary aim of this study is to present the traditional forms of taxation, the tax system, and the obligations of serfs based on the available urbariums, up to the year 1686. The 34-year period between 1652 and 1686 provides an opportunity to observe the impact of confiscations, as well as the effects of the military and political situation on the population and economic life. Murány’s economic strength can be considered significant until around 1670, although its developmental potential was constrained by the established feudal system and the prevailing economic and political conditions. The taxation and service system of the Murány estate’s serfs developed in accordance with the characteristics of the geographical environment. After the mid-17th century, a stronger trend toward manorialization can be observed. The estate’s economy and the diversity of its revenues were shaped by the industrial and enterprises and crafts operating in the area. In animal husbandry, besides cattle farming, sheep breeding was especially dominant. Horse breeding was of smaller volume, although the grazing of Spiš horses was a long-standing custom in the Murány region. Based on the tax records and knowledge of the taxation system, it can be concluded that the Murány estate was a significant economic unit within the territory of the Szepes Chamber.

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