‘Old Ways’ versus ‘Novelties’ in the Legal and Economic Sources of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania ca. 1450–1700

Abstract

Researchers investigating the sources of the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) often come across the text-book phrase, старины не рухаем, а новин не вводим (we do not change the old ways, nor do we introduce novelties), which became a sort of motto defining central government policy in the annexed lands. This article deals with how historians have interpreted this policy claim and concludes on the basis of examinations of regional charters, and land contracts preserved in the Lithuanian Metrica that the gentry were willing to accept legal innovations as part of ‘the old ways’, when it was expedient for them to do so, whilst appealing against ‘novelties’, which did not suit their interests. Close attention is paid to changes in rights to dispose of entailed property. In conclusion the authors press for further research into this subjects as a way to understand society within the Grand Duchy better and how reforms introduced by the Lithuanian Statutes were implemented.