Dominios señoriales y relaciones clientelares en Castilla: Velasco, Porres y Cárcamo (siglos XIII-XIV)

Abstract

The current study analyses the feudal lordship structures of a given district —The Merindad of Old Castile— during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. In the study, relationships stand out over institutions. The evolution of inter-noble ties is discussed by means of examination of three lordships of the lay nobility (those of Velasco, Porres and Cárcamo); two forms of relationship (family and clientship); and a royal office which mediates the relationships: the prestamería. In the process of development of seignorial power (by means of phases defined as propiedad dominical, dominio señorial and señorío jurisdiccional), the importance of kinship in the creation of heads of families is highlighted. But above all the necessary participation of the noble in the feudal rent transmitted by the superior lord —be it the noble/patron form of clientship or be it the king— stands out.