Alekseeva, D. I. Structure and Origin of Vasily Lukich Dolgorukov’s Votchinas

Abstract: The purpose of the research article is to study the problems of secular land ownership in the days of palace revolutions. The author of the article studies the documents of management and records keeping that were created in the process of seizing property of criminals who committed crime against the state. The main reference of the research is the so called registers of signed off property. At the present moment these registers are not suffi ciently studied. Registers of signed property consist of a series of descriptions, particularly on property belonging to one physical entity. These registers are quite complex references containing all kinds of data. To show their importance as the primary source, the author of the article analyzes documents about land property that belonged to a famous nobleman Vasily Lukich Dolgorukov. The author touches upon the structure and origin of Dolgorukov’s votchinas in Alatyr, Kasimovsky, Kerensky, Kinishemsky, Kozelsky, Koporsky, Kromsky, Kursk, Lebedyansk, Moscow, Obolensk and Ruszky Districts. By analyzing other documents about seized properties, the author of the article clarifi es the origin of those votchinas. For example, Vitaly Lukich Dolgorukov obtained 10 votchinas as a result of purchase or exchange, 11 votchinas were inherited or received from relatives in any other way and only 1 votchina was actually given for good service. The analysis of the process of formation of votchinas allows to clarify some uncertain moments in Dolgorukov’s biography such as his marriage and other close relations. The process of formation of such a large piece of land property is associated with Vitaly Lukich Dolgorukov’s career and family history as well as the property that belonged to the Dolgorukovs in XVIIth and early XVIIIth centuries.

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