Equestrian Court in Prague’s New Town (A contribution to the History of Town Administration in the 16th–18th Century)
Abstract
The presented study traces the development of the Equestrian Court, one of the delegated courts in Prague's New Town. With the help of preserved sources and analogies to similar institutions, it was possible to refine the date of the founding of this court and its further development from the end of the 16th century up to its cancellation in 1783.
In addition to the actual history of this court, attention was also paid to its organisational structure and its jurisdiction (contestable and noncontestable agenda). The operation of the Equestrian Court in the second half of the 17th century and during the course of the 18th century could be reconstructed thanks to ten official books preserved in the Collection of Manuscripts of the Prague City Archives.
The content of these books was analysed, with their formal and diplomatic aspects also being considered. As such, attention was paid to the individual types of official books kept by the Equestrian Court.
The study is supplemented by an overview of all the individuals who served as judges on the Equestrian Court, scribes and clerks.