The property turnover of vineyards in the light of documents dating from 1301 to 1320

Abstract

In the 14th century, vineyards in Hungary had a special legal status, which meant that the land’s possessor was free to dispose of the vines owned by the squire if he guaranteed the payment of annuities. So, the possessor could alienate them, make a testamentary donation and, after his death, his successors could inherit the right of possession of the vines. As a result of the special legal status of the vineyards, we can see some increase in the cultivation of the lands suitable for vine-growing and also in the alienation of vineyards. Their role in the estate transactions was significant. In my analysis of the charters, I examined the types and reasons for the sale of vineyards properties; the method of the transfer process; and also the applied instruments of granting of rights.