Aspects of the ecclesiastical presence in the Seia district in the Middle Ages: the Inquirições Gerais of 1258

Abstract

This study provides a general characterisation of the ecclesiastical presence in the Seia district during the time of the Inquirições Gerais (survey of land ownership) of 1258. Based on an analysis of the information contained in the records of these inquiries and, whenever possible, using other medieval sources as well, we have studied the ecclesiastical institutions present in the area individually and have quantified, categorised and mapped out their properties, thus providing, in some cases, information on the origins and evolution of this presence.

The Coimbra Cathedral and the Santa Cruz monastery in the same city emerge in these documents as the main landowners and authorities responsible for ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the area, and therefore merit special attention. In addition, we highlight the properties registered as belonging to other monastic communities - S. João de Tarouca, S. Jorge de Coimbra, Santa Maria de Maceira Dão and S. Pedro de Folques - and the military orders of the Templars, Avis and Hospital.

Within this context, we also discuss the founding and historical development of the São Romão settlement, emphasising its paradigmatic nature as a unit of ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

Finally, on the basis of information relating to local parishes, we provide a study of their landed property and identify patron saints and secular patrons.