Boris Godunov was the outstanding Russian statesman of the end of the
16th – beginning of the 17th century. For Boris Godunov's ancestry went all the way back to a noble Tatar by the name of Chet. While still a member of the Horde, this Tatar received christening from the visiting Metropolitan Pyotr and received a new name - Zachariah. It was under this name that he came and settled in Russia. Convincing proof of this christened Tatar's piety was the Ipatiev Monastery, erected by him near the Volga town of Kostroma. The Monastery became a family shrine of his descendants, who unstintingly contributed to its maintenance. They were all buried in family vaults at the Monastery. The Godunov clan - a quite vast one, indeed - owned substantial dominions, yet never exerted the slightest influence over Russian history until Boris Godunov and his sister Irina succeeded in gaming favour with the Tsar. Boris - by marrying the daughter of Ivan the Terrible's closest associate - Maliuta Scuratov and Irina - through marriage tsarevitch Fyodor. Ivan the Terrible became truly fond of Boris Godunov - so handsome and imposing, intelligent, and articulate. However, eventually this attitude changed. And this is how it happened. The marriage between tsarevitch Fyodor and Irina Godunova was a childless one. While Ivan the Terrible's eldest son - Ivan - was alive, this circumstance didn't much concern the Tsar. However, tsarevitch Ivan died in 1581. The absence of children in Fyodor's case (bearing in mind that the Tsar's youngest son - Dmitry - was yet a child) now took on a principally new significance for Tsar Ivan the Terrible. So he decided to bring about a divorce between Fyodor and Irina Godunova, so as to allow his son a second chance in choosing a wife. At this point, though, he encountered vehement resistance on the part of tsarevitch Fyodor himself who adored his wife and the Godunov boyars. The previously cloudless relationship between Tsar Ivan IV and Boris Godunov was suddenly undermined. It might very well be that Boris would have found himself in dire circumstances, if it were not for the sudden death of Ivan the Terrible in March 1584. In line with Tsar Ivan the Terrible's bequest, a Regency was to rule the country, since tsarevitch Fyodor was of ailing health, and according to some historians - dim-witted. Boris Godunov was not a member of the Regency council, yet this was no obstacle for him on the road to seizing ultimate power, something that was preceded by one noteworthy event. Fyodor was coronated in the manner of the Byzantine emperors. The ceremony
was a lengthy one, and sapped his strength. Without waiting for it all
to end, Fyodor handed one of the symbols of Royal power - Monomakh's cap
- to Striving to strengthen his own power and elevate his lineage, Boris Godunov made clever use of the influence that he and his sister had over Tsar Fyodor. He was adroit at political intrigue, never succumbed to passions of the moment, keeping a cool head and adhering to a well-thought out, careful policy. He knew how to wait for the appropriate moment, remaining in the shadows, or lunging forwards, depending on what he deemed opportune. These qualities enabled him to neutralize the power of the boyar gentry, first and foremost the Romanov and Shuisky dynasties. Now, Boris Godunov had accumulated enormous power and authority, which was still further augmented after he arranged for the Bishop Job who was wholeheartedly devoted to him to be elevated to the rank of Metropolitan. Historian Alexander Nechvolodov wrote: "...Godunov rid himself of all potentially dangerous people, and seized unlimited power. He achieved this in a matter of just over three years. He saw to it that only faithful and thoroughly reliable people were appointed to all important positions of authority in Moscow and other towns. English Ambassador Fletcher, who came to Moscow in early 1589, noted that a majority of the important posts were held by the Godunovs and their henchmen, so that in actual fact they were ruling almost all of the state." Of course, under the circumstances nobody dared confront Boris, even if deep in their heart they disapproved of him. True, according to historian Alexander Nechvolodov, Boris Godunov's assets were awesome. So much so, that in case of need, he could easily produce some 100,000 fully armed men. Moreover, to produce a more favorable impression of his sister Irina, the Tsarina, he set up a whole regiment, in colorful garb, that served as bodyguards. The latter accompanied Irina everywhere she went and during her visits to the holy places. In 1588, at the decision of the boyar Duma, Boris Godunov was endowed with a most important right to conduct negotiations with foreign rulers in his own name. Special books were even introduced, where accounts of such negotiations were entered. Boris Godunov's court was an exact replica of the Royal one. When welcoming foreign ambassadors, he adopted the same rites as the Tsar, and never missed an opportunity to impress on them the knowledge that everything actually hinged with him, and not the Tsar. The clever foreigners could see what he was all about, of course, and showered outrageous flattery upon him. Delighted by this adulation, Boris offered the foreigners privileges and benefits, often in detriment to the state interests. Historian Nechvolodov draws attention to the relationships between Boris Godunov and the English Queen Elizabeth. In 1587 Godunov signed a trade agreement with England, on very lucrative conditions for that country. Out of gratitude, Queen Elizabeth wrote him tender epistles and sent him the best of doctors, so they would treat his barren sister, the Tsarina. Godunov, in turn, endowed English traders with huge privileges over other foreign merchants. This inspired Queen Elizabeth to develop this success even further. She asked Boris to tax-exempt all English merchants across the entire territory of Russia; moreover, she ventured to request that all other foreign traders be banned from entering Russia. Still more, she requested Russian aid in arranging trade with China. At the same time, Elizabeth categorically denied Russian merchants access to England. This was too much. Despite his regard for the English, Boris emphatically declined to consider all these excess demands of the English Queen. Godunov's first success in domestic political life - and a most impressive achievement - was the establishment of the Patriarchate. Gone was the time when the Ecumenical Orthodox Church, headed by the Patriarch of Constantinople, regarded the Russian metropolis as a minor, peripheral eparchy. The fall of Constantinople under the blows of the Turks led to a redistribution of roles. Under the conquering Turks, the once-powerful Byzantine Church fell into decline, while the Russian Church flourished as never before. In the Moscow Tsardom the Metropolitans possessed much greater riches and advantages than the Patriarch of Constantinople under the rule of the Turks. The situation of the minor Patriarchs in Alexandria and Antioch was even more deplorable. In the 16th century they increasingly more often turned to Moscow for help. Year on year the number of supplicants grew, yet their pleas never went unanswered. The new reality found its reflection in works of Russian authors, who formulated the following policy: "Moscow is the third Rome". After the first Rome renounced Orthodoxy in favor of Catholic faith, and the second Rome (Constantinople) fell under the blows of the Turks, Moscow became the bulwark of Orthodoxy. In other words, a third Rome. It was only logical that if Russia has become the center of universal Orthodoxy, its Church had to be headed by someone of top religious rank. Just as in Constantinople, a Patriarch had to stand alongside an Orthodox Monarch. The political and financial clout that Moscow wielded allowed Boris Godunov to move most decisively. In the summer of 1588 the Patriarch of Constantinople Jeremiah arrived in Moscow with his entire entourage. Negotiations followed. The bargaining over the Patriarchy promised the Eastern Patriarchs great profits, so the talks were strung out to last half a year. To end with the indecision of the visiting hierarchs once and for all, Boris Godunov, on the one hand, richly rewarded them with promises of generous allowance in the future; and on the other - gave it to be understood the Patriarch wouldn't leave Moscow until after signing an appropriate missive. On January 26th 1589 Boris Godunov's protegee, Moscow Metropolitan Job was made Patriarch. In the spring of the same year the Constantinople emissaries left for home. One of them, unable to contain his admiration, wrote that they had all become rich overnight: the reward they received was incredible! This policy of supporting and raising public awareness of the National Church answered the immediate needs of the country: it brought Godunov immense popularity with the people - something he was in need of, in view of the new achievements that lay ahead. "Boris Godunov displayed admirable concern for Moscow's needs,” the
Moscow historian Yuri Krestnikov notes. “In Generally, under Tsar Fyodor's rule, Boris Godunov had a great number of towns built, particularly in the south, from the steppe-lands - to shield Russia’s borders from the Tatar incursions. The town of Archangel was founded in the north-west. In the west - the town of Smolensk was enclosed by stone walls. Similar walls were put up around Astrakhan, in the estuary of the Volga River. Towns were built in the Urals and in other places. All these measures had a great significance for boosting the country's safety. In 1591 Russia victoriously wound up its war with Sweden, which had always impinged on our territories. However, the Swedish King, disinclined to admit defeat, joined forces with the Crimean Khan Khazy-Girei. After a broad-scale mobilization, the Swedes amassed a 20,000 strong army on the Russian border. In turn, the Crimean Khanate, supported by the Osman Empire, launched a 100,000 strong attack. Besides the Crimeans and the Nogai horde, following close behind Khan Khazy-Girei were detachments of janissary Turks and the Turkish artillery. They had their sights set on Moscow. In case of success, the Crimea and Turkey would be able to significantly expand their sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. For Russia, the situation was further exacerbated by the fact that the bulk of the troops were at the Swedish border. Early morning on July 4th 1591 the Tatars approached Moscow. Godunov had arranged a protective force, the bulk of which was made up of archers, the home guard and Moscow artillery. Only boyars from among experienced old soldiers were appointed to head these. On a high hill near the walls of the ancient St.Daniel’s Monastery Godunov amassed the more powerful Russian artillery detachments - the cannon guns - under the cover of a mobile wooden fortress. Nearby they placed a canvass field church, where they brought from the Kremlin the ancient icon of the Mother of God of Don. The Cossacks had presented the icon as a gift to Prince Dmitry Donskoi on Kulikovo field, in 1380. Now, Tsar Fyodor prayed before this icon so that his brother-in-law emerges victorious. All day, on July 4th 1591, skirmishes continued. However, neither of the sides engaged the main forces. By evening, the Crimean Khan led part of his troops away to the southern outskirts of Moscow, and the other - to the South-west, Vorobievy Hills, a site which today offers a superb vantage point, boasting a stunning view onto the centre of Moscow. Godunov had considered that circumstance, and applied military cunning. In the middle of the night, Moscow suddenly became illuminated with bonfires. They lit up, one after another, on the Kremlin towers and walls of the Monasteries. Moscow's Home Guard fired, beat drums and kettledrums. At the same time, a richly-clad, unarmed rider, sent in on purpose, appeared near the Tatar camp. He was promptly seized, and under torture he admitted that the main Russian forces had arrived in Moscow from the Swedish border, and an hour later, would be launching an attack on the Tatar camp. This was all pure fabrication, of course, but it worked! Fear of a nighttime assault forced the Tatars to flee. The Khan was powerless to stop the growing panic. Russian detachments, sent in hot pursuit of the Tatars, caught up with them at the Oka River crossing. Many Tatars drowned, the rest were captured. The Crimean Khan Khazy-Girei barely escaped with his life. Boris Godunov's achievements were duly appreciated by Tsar Fyodor. At the feast in the Kremlin, the Tsar took off his gold chain - one of the symbols of power - and hung it around his brother-in-law's neck. He also presented Godunov with his own fur coat, and a generous wedge of lands. Aiming to commemorate the glorious victory, Godunov conceived a Monastery on the site where the Russian troops had stood. The following year, in 1592, a stone Cathedral was laid, and after the building was completed, the ancient, Miracle-making icon of the Mother of God of the Don was brought there. The Cathedral, and later - the Monastery, received the name of 'Don' - "Donskoi". Today it is not only one of the most cherished places, dear to every Russian, but undeniably a wonderful work of architectural genius, imbued with Russian spirit. Still, despite military conflicts, Tsar Fyodor's reign was a relatively
tranquil period. What lay ahead were truly terrible, troubled times, for
Russia and its actual ruler - Boris Godunov.
In 1591 tsarevitch Dmitry turned seven years old. This year was to be a fateful one for him… Russian historian Sergei Platonov writes: “On May 15th 1591 tsarevitch Dmitry was found with his throat slit in the courtyard of his Uglich chambers. The local folk, summoned by the alarm bell, found the Tsarina Maria and her brothers, Nagiye, mourning over his lifeless body…” The Tsarina flailed at the tsarevitch’s nurse … and shouted accusations at royal secretary Bityagovsky who was in Uglich in the capacity of overseer from the government and was responsible for keeping Moscow informed on all aspect regarding the life of the young tsarevitch and his relatives. “Upon hearing the tolling alarm bell, Bityagovsky came running with the others to the scene of the crime,” historian Sergei Platonov writes. “Hardly did he appear, though, when the overwrought crowd turned on him and killed him. His son and nephew were likewise killed on the spot.” Also killed on the spur of the moment were several other people, who had seemed suspicious then… The news reached Moscow only two days later. An investigative commission was sent to Uglich. According to Sergei Platonov, this is what they learned: …the tsarevitch slit his own throat during a bout of falling sickness, while playing with his knife … together with his young playmates… The commission also concluded that the Nagiye had impelled the roused crowd to commit unneedful murder of innocent folk. The investigators charged the Nagiye and “Uglich menfolk”, yet the final verdict was passed over to the secular authorities. Tsarina Maria was exiled to a Convent while her brothers were sent to various different towns all. The guilty local residents of Uglich were in part executed, and in part – exiled. Despite the fact that the government ruled out the possibility of murder, and acknowledged the death of tsarevitch Dmitry as an accidental suicide, nonetheless there began circulating rumors that the tsarevitch was killed on orders of Boris Godunov by the latter’s followers. Some time on, the rumor acquired the status of an indisputable fact. …Finding its way into literature, this political calumny received wide advertisement among not only people of the 17th century, but later generations, too, and even found its way into historical science.” Indeed, in works by many historians you will find Boris Godunov portrayed as an evil murdered of tsarevitch Dmitry. Upon scrutinizing numerous documents, Sergei Platonov rejects such a commonly acknowledged character portrait of Boris Godunov. Thus, he quotes accounts of German lansquenet Conrad Bussow, a contemporary of Boris Godunov, who lived at length in Russia. Bussow insists that ‘many boyars’ wanted tsarevitch Dmitry’s death. Some of the aspirants to the throne were more gently born than Boris. So, if we accept the murder version, the tsarevitch could have been killed by any one of them. Sergei Platonov concludes that both versions – that of suicide and of murder – require serious proof. He writes: “There is so much that is baffling and unresolved in the circumstances of tsarevitch Dmitry’s death, that until they all come to a head, the accusations against Boris are pretty shaky, indeed. Thus, from where we stand (and our descendants) Boris is not an accused, but rather a suspect.”
On January 6th 1598 Tsar Fyodor died… On the events that followed, Moscow historian Yuri Krestnikov writes: “To begin with, the Godunovs wanted to enthrone Fyodor’s widow, Tsarina Irina. However, this ran counter to tradition: at the time, Tsarinas in Russia were never admitted to the throne; moreover, they were banned from public ceremonies. The noble boyars were dead set against Irina Godunova. Thus, she was forced to announce her decision to go to a Convent. On the 9th day after her husband’s demise, Irina moved to the Novodevichy Convent, in the south-west outskirts of Moscow. There she took the vows under the name of Alexandra. Moscow was ahum, like a disturbed bee hive… Fearing possible provocations, Boris Godunov moved from the Kremlin Palace to his sister Irina, at the Novodevichy Convent. All ramifications of the election campaign led here… Putting to good use the discord within the boyar Duma, and the support offered Boris Godunov by servants of the government and the Church, on February 20th 1598 the adherents of the ruler organized a procession to Novodevichy Convent. The participants called on Boris to accept the throne. The latter listened propitiously to the speeches addresses to him, yet replied in the negative. With tears in his eyes, addressing the crowd, Boris Godunov said he never harbored thoughts of ‘entrenching upon such a royal privilege’. Rumor that Boris was planning to become a monk spread across Moscow like wildfire. The general mood in the capital was increasingly in his favor. Something the Church helped forward.” Historian Sergei Platonov, alluding to testimonies of French lansquenet Jacques Margerete, substantiated by other documents, notes: “Boris personally demanded that 8 or 10 electors be summoned from each town, so that the people have a say as to who should be elected Tsar”. The Territorial Council took place. On February 17th 1598 they elected Boris Tsar. For three days the clergy and parish prayed in the churches that God soften Boris’s heart, and that he agree to ascend the throne… On February 20th the people once again set off for Novodevichy Convent to plead with Boris. However, he once again adamantly refused. Then on the following day, Patriarch Job took the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God and to a vast gathering of people led a cross bearing procession to Novodevichy Convent. Moreover, it was decided that should Boris again refuse, the Church would excommunicate him, and the clergy would stop conducting liturgy – a sin that would entirely rest with Boris. As we read in the official document – the “Election Charter” – after conducting a liturgy at the Convent, Patriarch Job accompanied by the boyars, set off for Boris’s cell to persuade him to agree to enthronement. Meanwhile, crowds of folk stood outside the Convent walls shouting and pleading with Boris to consent. Finally, Godunov’s sister Irina gave him her blessing and at long last Boris himself voiced his consent to become Tsar. On February 21st 1598 Boris Godunov was benempt Russian Tsar. His coronation took place later, in September of the same year, at the Assumption Cathedral of the Kremlin. During the coronation service in the church, Boris said to Patriarch Job: “As God is my witness, there shall be no beggars and impoverished in my Tsardom”. And, taking hold of the collar of his shirt, he said: “I shall share this last one with everyone”. Boris Godunov did his best to comply with his promise given in church. “When you read accounts and statements of Russian and foreign contemporaries of Boris Godunov regarding his internal policy,” historian Sergei Platonov, “you come across one extremely humane trait: a staunch desire to defend the interests of ‘the weak and widowed, the young and frail, the impoverished and forlorn; a generous charity at times of famine and fire… This was but one aspect of the numerous strivings of Boris aimed at raising the economic well-being of the Moscow state.” However, internal and external circumstances hampered the policy, conducted by Boris Godunov. This is what Russian historian Alexander Nechvolodov writes: “In 1601 a dreadful calamity befell the Moscow state. Due to a complete crop failure, famine gripped the country for three whole years. Out of hunger, the people cropped grass, ate hay, and were even not averse to the occasional cannibalism. A terrifying number of people were dying of famine… Soon, cholera struck, only to carry away half a million lives in Moscow alone, according to contemporary accounts. Boris tried to soften the effects of famine by generously distributing bread and money to the poor, but this only worsened the situation, Hearing about the charity, people flocked to Moscow from all regions. Among them were those, who could have probably managed well enough in their native places. However, in the capital the situation was only exacerbated by the extra influx of people. While Boris, upon seeing the effect his charity had, brought to an end the free distribution of money and bread.” According to historian Vasily Kliuchevsky, during the famine, certain clever heads ‘simply turned their serfs away, so as not to be bound to feed them’. However, they didn’t provide these peasants with letters of enfranchisement. This was to ensure they would be able to return them after the famine. Outcasts in the midst of the general panic, these people turned to stealing. As a result, there appeared numerous sets of robbers. Highway robbery became a common aspect of life. They continued even after the famine was over. The famine came to an end to a great degree due to Boris Godunov. Seeking a way out of the disastrous situation, it finally occurred to him to organize bread purchases in outlying regions, where the supplies were more plentiful. This bread was then sold for half-price not only in Moscow, but in other towns of the country. Gradually the situation began improving. The rich harvest of 1604 finally drew the bottom line under the calamity. However, there was one consequence of the disaster that was much harder to fight than famine – a distressing decline in moral standards of the population. Boris Godunov faced the task of appeasing the country – a task most difficult to achieve. Moreover, there were new disasters looming ahead. Bad news was coming in from the southern provinces of the state. Trouble was brewing on the steppe land borders of the state, where a great number of people had amassed, displeased with their fate. These were servants of the government, unhappy with their service; Cossacks; runaway peasants: both serfs and free, who had been cast away by their landowners during the famine. Over 20,000 of such people were bubbling with discontent on the southern border of Russia. They were on the brink of a revolt. All that was lacking was a leader. In 1604 such a leader did arrive. This was an impostor, who claimed he was tsarevitch Dmitry, son of Ivan the Terrible, who allegedly had escaped death and been saved and concealed by his faithful people. This False Dmitry decided to seize the throne. Prior to making an appearance in Russia, he set off for Poland in the guise of a monk, fleeing from Moscow. There he graduated from a Polish school and joined service with Prince Adam Vishnevetsky. He once revealed his true identity to the Prince, claiming he was not a commoner, but Moscow tsarevitch Dmitry, escaped from his murderers. A different youth had been killed in Uglich in his stead, he said. The Impostor announced he intended to seize from Boris the Russian throne that was rightfully his, and asked for help in this undertaking. It is unknown whether Prince Adam Vishnevetsky believed the Impostor. But False Dmitry was brought before Polish King Sigizmund III, and asked for a small army, that he could lead into Moscow. The King gave the Poles permission to aid False Dmitry in his war against Boris, acknowledged him as the Moscow Prince, and set him an allowance of 40,000 gold coins annually. The Impostor accepted the Catholic faith.
Boris Godunov did everything possible so as to stop these missives from entering his Tsardom. Yet appear they did – smuggled inside bread sacks. The Impostor wrote to Boris Godunov personally, too. He offered him: “Give Us back our own, and we shall forgive you, in the face of God, and designate you a tranquil site for repentance.” By ‘Us” the Impostor referred to himself in the traditional manner of Russian Tsars. Boris Godunov had his share of enemies, particularly among the boyars. So the False Dmitry’s efforts were not in vain. With the help of his army, and the discontent lot of folk amassed in the south of Russia, besides the support offered by the boyars, opposed to Boris, the Impostor approached Moscow, seizing town after town. Historian Alexander Nechvolodov writes: The unbearably tense situation Godunov found himself in was suddenly cut short on April 13th 1605. When the Tsar rose from the table, blood started coming from his mouth, nose and ears. He died two hours later, yet in time to take monastic vows as Bogolep. The sudden demise of Tsar Boris couldn’t but radically alter the situation. Although Moscow calmly swore in his 16-year-old son Fyodor, as well as Tsarina Maria and tsarevna Kseniya, already during the ceremony the word was out: “It is not for long Boris’s offspring shall reign! tsarevitch Dmitry is marching towards Moscow!”… As the False Dmitry approached nearer, ever more people crossed to his side. At the town of Kromy the entire Tsar’s army shifted to the Impostor’s side. “The Lord Himself is helping him,” people said. “This must be a sign that he is the true tsarevitch Dmitry!” The Impostor, encouraged by the events in Kromy, made haste for Moscow. 200 kilometers away from the capital, in the town of Tula, two legations arrived to speak with him: the first from the Moscow boyars, and the other – from the Cossacks. The boyars, Prince Vorotynsky and others had brought the False Dmitry a confessive missive where they humbly asked his pardon for refusing to accept him before and for opposing him. From Tula the Impostor triumphantly marched on to Moscow. He was universally welcomed with bell chimes. Everyone rushed to take a look at the new Tsar… In Moscow, when Fyodor Godunov learned that the Royal army had betrayed him, he was seized with fear. The Kremlin was hurriedly reinforced, cannons dragged over to the walls and moats… June 1st 1605 saw the arrival in Moscow of messengers from the False Dmitry. They bore a letter missive from the new Tsar. The paper was read out to a vast crowd from the Lobnoye place. The Impostor wrote he bore no grudge against the people of Moscow, that he was the true heir to the throne, and the people could count on all manner of bonuses as a reward for faithful service to him. After listening to this missive, the crowd grew excited. They summoned boyar Vasily Shuiysky, who had been a member of the commission investigating the circumstances of the death of tsarevitch Dmitry. He was asked pointblank: was it true that tsarevitch Dmitry had escaped death? This time round, Vasily Shuiysky testified contrary to what he’d said earlier. He announced that the tsarevitch had been saved and a priestly son been killed in his stead. At this point the crowd lunged for the Kremlin. They began looking for Fyodor Godunov. The latter had fled to the Faceted Hall and sat on the throne, in a last hope that this would save him. But the crowd that broke in dragged him off. Tsar Fyodor was placed under arrest. Ten days later Tsar Fyodor Godunov and his Mother were brutally killed. The body of Boris Godunov himself was taken out of the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin and buried at one of the poorer Monasteries. Patriarch Job, who served under Boris, was disfrocked and sent off to a distant Monastery. The relatives and friends of Boris Godunov were all exiled to different towns, taken away in common carts, dressed in nothing but shirts… With the enthronement of the False Dmitry troubled times dawned in Russia. _________________________ Illustrations: N.Orlova. “History of Russia. Tsars and Emperors”, Bely Gorod, Moscow,
2001
14/01/2005
|
eighteen
years that followed the demise of Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible, Boris Godunov
wielded power over the Russian State and its people.
Prince Mstislavsky, and the heavy gold orb - a symbol of the state - to
Boris Godunov. This trivial episode struck all those present. Some time
later, the symbolic meaning of it became clear to everyone.
his
lifetime, previously unheard-of technical achievements entered city life.
Thus, Russian craftsmen built a water mains with a powerful pump in the
Kremlin, so that water from the Moskva River could be pumped along an underground
system to Koniushenny Dvor, and from there - to the chambers. Capitalizing
on the experience of the town of Pskov, Boris Godunov set up the first
alms-houses in the capital. New stone trade rows were built. On Red Square
there was a new structure - the stone Lobnoye Mesto - a platform from which
the Tsar's decrees were read out. It was also a site of execution. At Godunov's
instructions, craftsmen added height to the Ivan the Great Belfry - to
make it as tall as it is today. And in the heart of the city, as a measure
of fortification, in case of enemy attack, a stone vallum was built with
ten towers and gateways, surrounded by a deep moat. This fortification
didn't survive. However, to this day, the squares that are on the crossroads
of the Moscow Boulevard Ring and streets, leading from the Kremlin, bear
the name 'gates', in memory of the gateways that used to be a part of the
fortified walls.”
Well,
let us leave it at that. What is indisputable is that Fyodor sat on the
throne, while Boris virtually ruled Russia. This was common knowledge both
in Russia and abroad. Which is why Boris stood the best chance of ascending
the throne after Tsar Fyodor’s demise, all the more so since his sister
was a Tsarina.
The Impostor
wrote missive letters and sent them all across Russia. He wrote about how
“God had saved him” from the “traitor Boris”, who wanted to have him murdered.
Now he was intent on restoring justice and claiming the Moscow state throne.
He lavishly promised the people a life of “fruition, peace and quiet”,
if they supported him in his struggle against Boris.
