A History of one house: the microcosm of the Jurydyka of the Vilna Cathedral Chapter in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Lietuvos Didžioji Kunigaikštystė (LDK; Grand Duchy of Lithuania; GDL); Lietuvos istorija; Socialinė istorija; Vilnius; Vilniaus katedros kapitula; Dvasininkai; Lithuanian history; Social history; Vilnius; Cathedral Chapter of Vilna; Clergy.

ENThe right of members of the Cathedral Chapter of Vilna (Vilnius) to their own home (called a canonical curia) was a necessary consequence of the statutes which required them to reside in the vicinity of the cathedral. However, the Chapter faced a shortage of accommodation, initially having only several properties at its disposal, but twelve canons and six prelates (the provost, dean, archdeacon, custodian, scholar and cantor) to house. This was despite the fact that in the sixteenth century, the Chapter’s jurydyka (a legal term which essentially means the plots of land within the city limits subject to capitular jurisdiction) held about sixty-four houses, most of which were rented out to lay persons. This situation gave rise to much tension. It also led to canons residing temporarily in inns, something which - as the Chapter itself recognized - harmed the reputation of the clergy. The consequences were not restricted only to the kind of excess which typically amuses readers, such as carousing in female company, playing cards or wine-fueled feasting. These things went on not only in taverns, but in capitular residences as well. [Extract, p. 28]