Gergely Bethlen’s Instructions to his Office Holder in Berghin from 1683 Cover Image

Bethlen Gergely utasítása bervei tiszttartójához 1683-ból
Gergely Bethlen’s Instructions to his Office Holder in Berghin from 1683

Author(s): Anikó Szász
Subject(s): History
Published by: Erdélyi Múzeum-Egyesület
Keywords: Social history; estate management; income management; manorial court; instruction; serfs

Summary/Abstract: The present paper presents and analyzes Bethlen Gergely’s instructions addressed to his offi ce holder from 1683. The document offers interesting data about the situation of the serfs in the village of Berghin (Alba County), about the duties of the offi ce holder, the management of the husbandry of the allodium, as well as the strategies and ambitions of the landlord regarding his estate and his income. The text reveals Bethlen Gergely’s purpose to keep his estate under strict supervision, to increase his income, as well as to prevent the discontent of his serfs, considering the local customs and circumstances.

  • Issue Year: LXXIV/2012
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 143-152
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: Hungarian