Zur Baugeschichte von Neu Pernau in der Amtszeit des Bürgermeisters Johann von Lynthem (1519-1548). Nach Lynthems Denkwürdigkeiten und den Kämmereirechnungen

Abstract

In the early 16th Century, New Pernau survived three fires within 20 years, mainly thanks to the support of its sovereign, the Livonian Order. From the Order, the town received financial aid in the form of donations and loans, and through its influence efficient and ambitious people came to power. On the one hand, this represented an interference into the municipal autonomy, on the other hand, it was to the town's benefit. Thus, New Pernau exemplifies the relationship between the sovereign and a small town, which was close and, apparently, more comprehensive than relations with larger towns. During the Reformation the Council of Pernau had the opportunity to restore the town with means from secularized church properties, which demonstrates the pragmatic motives of the secular powers at the time of the Reformation. From the point of view of architectural history, it was the fortifications that underwent the most significant changes between 1518 and 1548. Not only were they restored after the fires; it was also tried to modernize them. With regard to military technology, the city wall, the gates and towers were made stronger and more solid than ever before. At the same time, the inside of the city wall was cleared. Mayor Johann of Lynthem played a major part in the restoration of New Pernau, which was only possible due to his energy, initiative and organizational talent. His activities show how great a role a Single person supported by the sovereign could play in running a town. Several major renewals were introduced on Lynthem's initiative; thus, the town's prosperity largely resulted from his personal characteristics. Johann of Lynthem, who died in 1548, is a remarkable personality not only in the history of New Pernau, but in the history of Livonia as a whole. He was power-conscious and determined, a man of the renaissance and of the early modern period.