New Information about the Charter of Prince Andrii Yuriiovych for the Townspeople of Toruń from 1320

Abstract

The objective is to shed light on the historical fate of the charter of Prince of Volodymyr Andrii Yuriiovych for townspeople of Toruń dated August 27, 1320, and to make public new information about its external features.

Methodology. Reconstruction of the “odyssey” of the letter was carried out using the general historical research method, first of all chronological, historical-systemic, and method of verification. While working with documents, a methodological toolkit was used for the study of diplomatic monuments, which consists of the application of paleographic, sphragistic, and watermark research methods, as well as the description method.

Scientific novelty. The current location of the charter, which remained unknown to the scientific community for a long time, was established. For the first time, a detailed description of the back of the charter is provided, indicating the features of the composition of the parchment sheet and the method of certifying the document. Modern photos of the front and back of the charter are presented.

Conclusions. The original, which at various times belonged to the collections of state institutions, private individuals, and public organizations, is now kept in the funds of the manuscripts department of the Russian National Library (St. Petersburg). Examination of the document revealed that in the past, it had been sealed with an impression seal, which left a mark, and had been rolled up in the form of an unsealed “envelope”.