Territorial administration of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the management of the natural resources of the grand-ducal domain in the 15th and 16th centuries (formation and function)

Abstract

The administrative structure and territorial judiciary of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL) underwent significant changes at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. The establishment of a group of administrative and judicial officials allegiant to the ruler of the GDL became a priority during the reign of Grand Duke Vytautas. These processes led to the emergence of a new class of new civil officers whose competencies were incorporated into the existing administrative system of the GDL. The 16th century marked a new period of changes which were further accelerated under the reign of the last Jagiellonian monarchs. During that time, a new model was proposed for exploiting, controlling and protecting natural resources of the GDL. The departure from traditional forms of management required time and the rulers’ willingness to accept the idiosyncrasies of Lithuanian territorial administration. The exploitation of forests and water resources for the benefit of Grand Duke and the colonization of Lithuanian forests were supervised by territorial administration officials. The starost enjoyed considerable authority, and he supervised key masters (klucznik), forest rangers (hajewnik) (who supervised the production and distribution of honey and wax), beaver masters (bobrowniczy) and fishing masters (niewodniczy) who managed fishing operations in grand-ducal waters. Foresters (leśniczy) became independent from the starosts. They were responsible for organizing hunting and forestry services involving battue masters (osocznik) and shooters. Foresters also supervised forest management. In the 16th century, grand ducal auditors were appointed to supervise and control the territorial administration and management of grand ducal estates.