LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Biržų rajonas; Dvaras; Paveldas; Tyrimai; Šiaurės Lietuva; Biržai district; Heritage; Manor; Northern Lithuania; Research.
ENFrom the middle of the 16th century to the beginning of the 19th century, almost half of the territory of the present district belonged to the Duchy of Biržai, founded by the Radvilas. Over 30 big and small manors were administered from Biržai or Naradava manors. In the beginning of the 19th century, the Tiškevičiai bought the Radvilas’ estates and in 1862 established primogeniture in Biržai, which lasted until the land reform started in Lithuania in 1922. The Radvilas and Tiškevičiai rented, mortgaged and made a present of manors, so the owners often changed. The highest concentration of private manors was in the Catholic part of Biržai district, i.e. Pabiržė parish. During the First World War, much harm was done to Biržai manors: the property was looted and buildings were burned. The somewhat restored manors were even more severely affected by the Soviet nationalization in 1940. Although valuables and books were registered in the manors, during the Second World War a large part of the valuables was lost. Currently, 13 former manors and farmsteads are preserved in the district. [From the publication]