The manorial violence in the General Inquisitions of 1288 and Sentences of 1290

Abstract

Violence cuts across all societies, present and past. And in medieval times, violence was perceived very differently from today. Violence in many cases was considered lawful, and even necessary, by the men of those times.

The main aim of this article is to understand the violence of the manorial nature in Portugal at the end of the 13th century, through the testimonies registered in the General Inquisitions of 1288 and the respective sentences of 1290. It is also a purpose to understand, in the context of the struggles between the different powers, if the relationship between the manorial world and the policies of centralisation of the royal power resulted in violent actions. To this end, the different practices of violence, their justifications, agents and victims were analysed, and the monarch's action in controlling violence was scrutinised, thus allowing an understanding of the existing tensions, their circumstances and intentions.

Keywords: Violence - General Inquiries - Manorial Power - Royal Power - Manorial Abuses