The Administrative Structure of Narva and Its Role in Promoting of “Unusual Trade” in Livonian-Russian Borderlands During the 15th and Early 16th Centuries

This article focuses on the study of administrative-legal framework of medieval Narva and its influence on development of the town’s economic potential within Livonian-Russian trade. Using the descriptive statistics methods, an attempt was made to reconstruct the Narva’s administrative structure and to present the powers distribution between the town and Order authorities. That helped to define economic strategy of the town’s authorities within Livonian-Russian relations to answer the question of what allowed a small border town like Narva to successfully compete with larger commercial cities in Livonia. The relationship between Order and Narva’s local authorities can be characterized as a cooperation, which had a positive impact on the trade development in Narva. The reasons for the town council’s interest in the trade development can be attributed to the social composition of burgomasters and councilors, most of whom were directly associated with the merchant class. The bailiffs were interested in trade development, both due to their official duties as part of general economic policy of the Order-Landmaster, and their personal economic interests. They were active participants in Livonian-Russian and Hanseatic trades. The town council and bailiffs, driven by different motives, were interested in urban trade development and maintaining economic relations with Novgorod and Pskov. This was reflected in their support for what was known as “unusual trade” – a trade conducted outside of Hanseatic regulations. The development of this type of trade allowed the town to enhance its economic position, particularly during the trouble periods between Russia and Hanseatic towns of Livonia.