Kettős pecsét alatt. Várday Pál esztergomi érsek, királyi helytartó (1483–1549)
Under the double seal. Pál Várday, the Archbishop of Esztergom and royal regent (1483–1549)

Author(s): György Laczlavik
Contributor(s): Szabolcs Varga (Editor)
Subject(s): History, Diplomatic history, 16th Century
ISSN: 2064-518x
Published by: Virágmandula Kft. - Kronosz Kiadó
Keywords: Kingdom of Hungary;Archbishop of Esztergom; Royal Regent; Battle of Mohács 1526; Hungarian political elite
Summary/Abstract: Pál Várday rose to the top of Hungarian political life in the chaotic period following the Battle of Mohács. As the Archbishop of Esztergom (1526-1549) and royal regent (1542-1549), he was one of the most influential men of his era. However, until recently, posterity has not been familiar with him and has hardly known anything about his family, his rise and personality. This biography offers replies for these questions.The author has devoted great care to collect the sources about Várday from several archives. The scarce data paints a portrait of an exciting, versatile and out-and-out political figure. The book shows that Pál Várday coming from a lesser noble family in Somogy County deservedly rocketed to Hungarian political elite. His complex professional and official experience he had gained as treasurer before 1526 raised him above his contemporaries who were often reluctant to go for such a job. He showed respect for his office and the plentiful tasks he had to carry out as the regent, which made him a trusted and ideal partner in the eyes of Ferdinand I who wanted to fundamentally reorganise Hungarian public administration. Várday earned undying merits as a prelate when he managed to move the seat of the Archbishopric of Esztergom and preserved the rights of his diocese. As a royal regent he did his best to reinforce central government and to build up the new administration and border defence. Consequently, he played an essential part in preserving the Kingdom of Hungary remaining in Habsburg hands.

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