The Vasa dynasty's hunting manor in Białowieża in the light of archival documents and archaeological excavations

Abstract

Neither the Vasa dynasty’s hunting manor in the Białowieża Forest, mentioned in written sources, nor the Vasa period in the history of the forest have yet been subject of detailed study. Analysis of written documents and results of archaeological excavations carried out in 2004–2005 have evidenced that the the Vasas’ hunting manor was erected in Białowieża most probably at the end of the 16th century. It was located in the centre of the contemporary Białowieża, on a hill on the Narewka river (today the Palace Park). Apart from the manor, the complex incorporated other buildings, a fish pond, a mill, gardens, an apiary and arable fields covering 30 ha in total. In the times of the Vasas, the manor was accompanied by a village with 14 ha of arable fields. All the three kings from the Vasa dynasty stayed in the royal manor in Białowieża during hunts in the Białowieża Forest: Zygmunt III in 1588, Władysław IV in 1643, and Jan Kazimierz Vasa in 1650, though most probably there were more royal visits to Białowieża. Since 1589, the Białowieża Forest had a special status — it was not only the royal hunting ground but also part of the crown estates (Brześć economy), which generated income for the royal court. The manor was mentioned in written sources for the last time in 1663. Archaeological finds prove that the manor was destroyed by fire during the last part of the Polish-Russian war (1654–1667). Although the manor was demolished and the Białowieża forestry suffered great demographical and financial losses, the status of the Białowieża Forest as the royal forest did not change. The next royal hunting manor in Białowieża is mentioned in written sources about 40 years later, in the times of the Wettin dynasty.