Patronatos, patronos, clérigos y parroquianos. Los derechos de patronazgo sobre monasterios e iglesias como fuente de renta e instrumento de control y dominación de los parientes mayores guipuzcoanos (siglos XIV a XVI)

Abstract

In this paper we examine patronage rights in Guipuzcoa not only as sources of income for "Parientes Mayores" (Heads of Noble Houses) in that area, but also as instruments of social and political control and domination. Judiciary documents from Pamplona's bishopric, from Valladolid's Chancellery and from Guipuzcoan councils were studied and used to analyze the following: (i) the origin and ways of appropriation of patronage rights, (ii) the revenues derived from them and (iii) conflicts between patrons and parishioners around clergymen appointments distribution of tithes and other revenues pertaining to churches and the physical location parishioners occupied inside church buildings both during their lifetime and after death.