Provedores da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Arganil do século XIX. Metamorfoses, elos e poderes

Abstract

This paper undertakes to study from a prosopographic perspective the local elites who were summoned to lead the Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy) of Arganil, against the backdrop of 19th century Portuguese Misericórdias, while focusing on the chairing ombudsmen and relevant connections, powers and conflicts. In the 19th century, Misericórdia of Arganil manifestly plays a social role in the transfer of power and prestige to the local elites, hereby witnessing a growing break in the hegemony of the nobility and the rise of professional categories which enjoyed a dignifying status, consequently originating conflicts among the clergy, the dominant social group at the time.