The Fueros of Navarre ( Spanish : Fuero General de Navarra , Basque : Nafarroako Foru Orokorra , meaning in English General Charter of Navarre ) were the laws of the Kingdom of Navarre up to 1841, tracing its origins to the Early Middle Ages and issued from Basque consuetudinary law prevalent across the (western) Pyrenees. They were a sort of constitution which regulated the social order and defined the position of the king, the nobility, and the judicial procedures, which meant that the royal decisions needed to conform to the provisions set out by the charters.
59-530: The first such written document goes back to 1238. The next codifications are attested by modifications or amendments ( amejoramientos ) made by the Navarrese regent Don Juan Martínez de Medrano and his son Álvaro Díaz de Medrano, commissioned in 1330 by King Philip III of Navarre to make the Fueros. The next modification or amendment was made in 1419. After 1512, Navarre was divided into two, with Upper Navarre
118-437: A flory and voided cross of Calatrava within a square that also includes a legend that says "S. [seal of] Joan Martínez d' Medrano." Each side of the square displays a demi-circle, each containing a cross similar to the on the center. This seal is affixed to a document, specifically a receipt dated 1276. The second seal used by Juan Martínez de Medrano, lord of Viana and Sartaguda, is a scalloped seal of 45mm. It features
177-475: A Royal Council and a Supreme Court, as well as a Diputación del Reyno or Government of Navarre (similar to the Generalitat of Aragon and the Generalitat s of Catalonia and Valencia). An Occitan translation of the Navarrese fueros was made under the title Los Fors et Costumas deu Royaume de Navarre deça-ports . It was approved by Henry III in 1608, then confirmed by Louis II in 1611 before Navarre
236-563: A dignity that he enjoyed shortly before 1309 during the reign of King Louis X of France and Navarre . Under this condition, along with five ricoshombres and other representatives of the kingdom, he went to Paris for the oath ceremony of Philip V of France and Navarre on 30 September 1319. Since the beginning of the century, he was known by the nickname "the Elder," undoubtedly to distinguish him from his namesake son, "the Younger," who received
295-548: A new era in the history of Navarre, now once again free from the government of France . Juan Martínez de Medrano administered the Kingdom of Navarre and public affairs in the name of Joan II , with the title of regent . A solemn embassy was also sent to Rome , in the name of Joan II of Navarre, which was extremely well received. Navarre supported this candidacy since they disregarded the Salic Law that counted so much for
354-537: A part of the nascent Kingdom of Spain and Lower Navarre an independent kingdom (incorporated into France in 1620). From 1515 until 1841, Upper Navarre was in effect an autonomous kingdom in personal union with the Spanish crown. It was allowed to retain a large degree of home rule, preserving much of the institutions of the independent kingdom, not exempt of tensions with the ever centralizing drive of Castile and attempts at reunification with independent Navarre to
413-588: A relative influence in the town in the second half of the 14th century and mid-15th century. In the mid-15th century, the Vélaz de Medrano family continued to lead a military garrison in Viana. Between 1277 and 1307, Juan Martínez de Medrano, Lord of Sartaguda, appeared as the Alcaide of Viana, with an annual retention of 7 pounds and 35 cahíces. From 1307, his son Juan Martinez de Medrano y Aibar continued in charge of
472-548: A ricohombría in 1323. His father Juan Martinez de Medrano I, was a ricohombre in 1291. Ricohombre is a title given to twelve members of the highest nobility in Navarra during the Late Middle Ages , previously known as princes , barons , or lords . In most cases, they were related to the kings . Ricohombre was the highest noble title in the early centuries of Iberian monarchies. In 1329, it still appears that
531-433: A series of councils, claiming their commitment (“make an obligation through the queen's lady to the king's lord of 100,000 pounds in the general court”) are recorded with letters from the noble Juan Martínez de Medrano, lieutenant of the governor, before the councils of Los Arcos , Viana , Laguardia, San Vicente de la Sonsierra , Aguilar and Bernedo ; Lerín , Miranda, Larraga , Berbinzana , Artajona , Mendigorria and
590-469: A sign of this high degree of trust, in 1333 and 1334, he was one of the witnesses in the agreements for the marriage of Princess Joan to Pedro, the eldest son of the kings of Aragon. Pedro , who ascended the throne in January 1336, expressed a preference for the second daughter, which forced Joan to renounce her succession rights in favour of Maria of Navarre . Besides receiving temporary rents, in 1312
649-573: The Capetian main line went extinct, as Juan Martínez de Medrano became regent of the Kingdom of Navarre in awaiting the arrival of his Queen Joan II and her husband Philippe d'Erveux . Medrano's leading role in the political scene came after the death of the last Capetian sovereign , Charles the Fair , on 1 February 1328. The death of Charles , Joan's younger uncle, in February 1328 paved
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#1732772634844708-670: The Irache Abbey gave him a palace, church, and property in Torres del Río . His son Juan Vélaz de Medrano y Sanchez was the merino of the merindad of Estella, responsible for its jurisdiction and protection. The regent was the owner of the Baigorri milestones. In 1322 Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar was called the Lord of Sartaguda in the merindad of Estella, and shortly after, the lord of Arróniz and Villatuerta . Villatuerta
767-527: The Navarrese and Castilian border in the two merindades of Estella and La Ribera. A trusted person of the Crown, in 1305, Philip the Fair (Philip IV of France, King of Navarra from 1284 to 1305) and the heir prince Louis X sent him along with the knight Juan de Bochierre with letters destined to calm the kingdom of Navarre after the death of Queen Juana I . The House of Medrano gained prominence when
826-452: The house of Évreux was evident in the appointment of lieutenant of the governor, a position he held at least in 1329 and 1330. Since the ancient times of its conquest in 1119, the municipality of Tudelana (Tudela) has sought to assert the uniqueness of its tax regime. The conflict and resistance to Royal Treasury demands escalated to a level of rebellion, requiring the intervention of Lieutenant Juan Martínez de Medrano 'The Elder' before
885-455: The merino Juan Velaz de Medrano of the merindad of Estella, knight , with ten horsemen and sixty foot soldiers , marched to meet with Beltran Ibañez de Guevara, lord of Oñate and with those from Álava and Salva-Tierra of the Kingdom of Castile in order to discuss peace and harmony between the borders of the Kingdoms of Navarre and Castile. The following year, in 1329, witnessed
944-713: The Cortes held in Puente la Reina. Juan indicated that he would only do so to his "natural lords" once they had presented themselves in Navarre and sworn to abide by the provisions of the Fuero General . They will also be required to agree to other conditions established in the Cortes of Larrasoaña: The Navarrese regency successfully ended on 27 February 1329 in Larrasoaña , where Juan Martínez de Medrano handed over
1003-514: The Elder , was a judge of the Navarrese Cortés, baron and lord of Arroniz , Sartaguda , Viana , Fontellas , Monteagudo , and Villatuerta , ricohombre of Navarre, a representative of the ricoshombres and estates , and regent of the Kingdom of Navarre from 13 March 1328 until 27 February 1329. Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar was a prominent figure of the Navarrese high nobility and main head of his lineage. Juan participated in
1062-681: The French. The regents dismantled the ruling elite and assumed the supreme jurisdictional faculties corresponding to the Lordship for almost a year until the arrival of the new Monarchs. The regents assembled in May, at the General Courts on May 1, 1328, in Pamplona's Dominican convent, deciding that the legitimate right to the crown should go to Joan, married to Philip de Évreux. The agreement
1121-487: The Fuero General, originally crafted during the reign of Sancho el Sabio, was revised in 1330 with the consent of the Cortes. This significant legal update is attributed to Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder and his son, Álvaro Díaz de Medrano, under the commission of King Felipe de Évreux. Juan Martínez de Medrano and his son introduced several new laws and regulations that were not present in earlier versions of
1180-484: The Fueros. These included: Juan corrected various errors from previous editions, including transcription errors and omissions that altered the meaning of certain laws. Some chapters were reorganized, and the numbering system was adjusted to improve the coherence and application of the laws. Juan Martínez de Medrano introduced entirely new laws not found in the earlier versions. For instance: In addition to these public appearances, conditioned by his rank, his harmony with
1239-455: The Merino of Pamplona and the representatives of Segura for five years is narrated by the officials. This agreement was later extended, upon request, to include the councils of San Sebastián , Fuenterravía , and Tolosa . The King, in response to the need to address killings and cattle thefts by the men of Gipuzkoa in the regions of Burunda and Aranaz, decreed the preparation of a hundred men for
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#17327726348441298-554: The Navarrese side into a treaty with the towns of Guipúzcoa. This agreement involved a commitment by some towns to take action against criminals who attacked the neighboring territory and sought refuge within their own jurisdiction. The historical context reveals that border skirmishes, involving Oñacino lineages from Gipuzkoa and royal officials of the Kingdom of Navarre, persisted throughout the 13th, 14th, and 15th centuries. This recurring theme of disputes, brawls, and border persecutions
1357-585: The Treasury. Almost 88.52% of this percentage came from the inhabitants of the good towns and royal farmers. Additionally, the pending collection of one hundred thousand pounds promised to the king, as compensation for supporting his wife's candidacy for the throne of Navarre, was not accounted for in the treasury records. Expenses related to sending emissaries to councils for commitment claims were incurred by Juan Martínez de Medrano 'The Elder' before various councils. The expenses occasioned by sending emissaries to
1416-406: The abbot of Iranzu ; Ujué , Mélida , Santacara , Rada, Caparroso , Marcilla , Peralta , Falces , Cárcar , Andosilla and San Adrián ; from the valleys of Aibar , Roncal and Salazar ; towns of Sesma , Mendavia, Baigorri, Lapoblación and Labraza. The emissaries covered a range of councils, revealing the currency districts, with the messengers approaching the councils. In 1328, his son,
1475-578: The baron Juan Martínez de Medrano 'the Elder,' a judicious man versed in negotiation, did not cease with the restoration of the Monarchy . He played a pivotal role as a Judge in the Cortes meetings where the succession was decided, and where his proposed amendments to the Fueros —known as "amejoramientos"—were approved. This marked the return of the Navarrese to their traditional laws. The "Amejoramiento" of
1534-488: The basis for subsequent fiscal and financial policies. For the first annuity, Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar oversaw the collection of contributions, including income from coinage, which represented a significant portion of the total annual receipt in the Royal Treasury. For the first annuity, including contributions from prelates and Jews , the income from coinage represented 39.67% of the total annual receipt in
1593-550: The castle until 1321. When the Principality of Viana was established, the town and castle were integrated as its head. During the war with Castile in 1430, mosén Juan Vélaz de Medrano IV reinforced the fortification with 10 armed men and 20 crossbowmen. In 1437, Juan Vélaz de Medrano IV established the Vélaz de Medrano mayorazgo , recognized as the oldest mayorazgo in Viana. King Philip I of Navarre (IV of France) granted
1652-654: The chief magistrate of the Court of Navarra. Sancho Sánchez de Medrano was a wealthy and influential figure of the time, a member of the well-known Medrano family. He was the son of Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder, who held considerable influence in the Navarrese government. Juan Martínez de Medrano was the hereditary Lord of Sartaguda . In the 13th and 14th century, the Medrano family owned it until King Charles III gave it to Carlos de Beaumont and later to Marshal Martín Enríquez de Lacarra in 1406. Depopulated by civil wars, it
1711-432: The defense of the border. During this period, the unruly elements of Gipuzkoa were grouped around the restless and criminal lineages of Lazkano and Oñaz. Two curious Latin accounts, both from the Merino of Pamplona, clearly indicate this. The circle of the brotherhood was very broad, comprising: Information regarding the aforementioned brotherhood is scant, and despite its initial intended duration of five years, it
1770-620: The establishment of the first border brotherhood between the Navarrese and the Gipuzkoans . Responding to a request from the Council of Segura , Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder, Lieutenant of the Governor of Navarre, embarked on a mission with six horsemen and five hundred and sixty foot soldiers to recover stolen cattle and pigs from Santa Maria de Iranzo (Iranzu). These were taken by Garci Ivaynnes de Arbizu, and upon successful retrieval,
1829-405: The greatest antiquity. Undoubtedly, the personal prestige of both weighed in an unprecedented election in the history of Navarre. The appointment as regent of Navarre is a rare and distinguished honour. Such appointments were not handed out casually and were reserved for individuals of exceptional capability and loyalty to the crown. The regency of Juan Martinez de Medrano is seen as the beginning of
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1888-455: The king and the nobility, begun by Joan II and Philip III , incorporates new financial practices but remains rooted in a significant feudal structure. The Marquessate of Fontellas was later granted by Royal Order to the House of Medrano at the end of the 18th century. In 1276 his father Juan Martinez de Medrano used a heraldic scalloped seal measuring 50mm . The seal features a design of
1947-468: The kings of Navarra defending their claims to the Kingdom . The presence of the Medrano family in Viana was significant, however it also generated tensions and conflicts. In 1310, a peace agreement was finally reached between Juan González de Medrano, the moneylender of Viana, and the council of Viana, whose confrontation was considerable. There had been deaths on both sides, who gave up their hostilities, disputes, and violence. The House of Medrano maintained
2006-543: The most relevant political events that occurred in the Kingdom of Navarre in the first half of the 14th century . Juan Martínez de Medrano and his son Álvaro Diaz de Medrano are known for their modifications or amendments (amejoramientos) of the Navarrese Fueros , commissioned in 1330 by King Philip III of Navarre . Charles II of Navarre , for his services, gave Juan the Castle of Dicastillo and shortly after
2065-688: The north of the Pyrenees led by the Parliament. In 1528, the Cortes of Navarre sitting at Pamplona authorised a simplified law code known as the Fuero Reducido . Although widely used, it was never confirmed by the king. A viceroy represented the Spanish monarch. The Cortes (the Parliament) was the main legislative body, composed of three estates of clergy, nobles and burgesses. There was
2124-415: The number of ricoshombres was limited to twelve. It is known that in the oath made by King Philip III and Queen Joan II : Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder and Juan Martinez de Medrano the Younger attended. The council of Baigorri granted him the hunting and firewood rights of the lower pasture of Baigorri in 1291. As a leading knight in the Kingdom of Navarre, Juan Martinez de Medrano 'El Mayor' held
2183-465: The people of Tudela. This insubordination led to coercive measures, involving armed men dispatched to quell the rebellion, accompanied by economic sanctions. These actions extended to other towns, as reflected in corresponding expense items. The total households or houses "maintaining fire" amounted to 39,510, with 15 to 20% considered poor. The resulting figure of approximately 48,000 households aligned closely with estimates by royal treasury agents, forming
2242-459: The position of Alcaide , bailiff and tenant in various fortresses of the merindades of Estella and La Ribera since the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century, such as Artajo castle in 1280 during the reign of Queen Joan I of Navarre . He was given the Corella castle in 1283, along with Viana , and the castle of Asa, forming a large chain of fortified castles along
2301-507: The recovered livestock was returned to the monks. In appreciation of this assistance, the men of Gipuzkoa appealed to Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder to establish a brotherhood with the Merino of Pamplona for mutual benefit. Recognizing the advantages for the people under his jurisdiction, Juan Martínez de Medrano the Elder agreed, solidifying a five-year brotherhood with the Gipuzkoans. The subsequent contractual agreement between
2360-432: The regency, the exercise of public power clearly manifested its “popular” nature in two ways: through people and through symbols. The change of regime took place via the almost total replacement of those holding public posts; posts which would have gone to a group of individuals unrelated to the monarchy and directly committed to the cause of the uprising. Meanwhile, the new Navarrese government led by Medrano and Lehet adapted
2419-402: The regent's daughters was married in 1318 to the nobleman Ramiro Pérez de Arróniz. Sartaguda Sartaguda is a town and municipality located in the province and autonomous community of Navarre , northern Spain . (Sartagueta in euskera) 42°23′N 2°03′W / 42.383°N 2.050°W / 42.383; -2.050 This article about a location in Navarre, Spain,
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2478-460: The royal oath and raised his voice on behalf of the ricoshombres and estates , a genuine representation of the kingdom of Navarre. The most prestigious surnames reflected in ‘ The Book of Armory of the kingdom of Navarre ’ corresponded to very active families in Navarrese politics from the beginning of the 13th century to the first half of the 14th century. Upon arrival of Charles II to the Navarrese throne, few of those famous surnames were part of
2537-408: The royal symbols to the new political situation to reflect the strange, unprecedented situation of a kingdom without a king through such vehicles as language and family seals . The Navarrese had taken certain precautions with the new dynasty when three Frenchmen arrived in Navarre as lieutenants of the kingdom. The regent Juan Martínez de Medrano refused to hand over the powers he had received in
2596-432: The same design and legend as his earlier seal. This seal is affixed to a 1279 letter from the bishop of Pamplona and several Navarrese lords. The letter thanks King Philip IV of France and his wife, Joan I of Navarre , for appointing Gerin d'Amplepuits as governor, and it requests that he be knighted. Juan Martínez de Medrano took center stage in the sociopolitical arena with his appointment as ricohombre (rich man),
2655-575: The seals to Joan II and Philip III of Navarre. With the acceptance of these and other conditions that implied serious decisions - " fechos granados " - the ceremony of fidelity oath was held on 5 March 1329 in the Cathedral of Pamplona . In the end, both Joan and Philip were crowned, anointed by bishop Arnalt de Barbazan and raised on the shield in Pamplona Cathedral on 5 March 1329. On that day, Juan Martínez de Medrano participated in
2714-566: The social dome: only Monteagudo , Medrano and Lehet remained as rosters of the old noble preponderance. After 1328, the Medrano family held the regency of Navarre for the King of Spain twice. García de Medrano was elected regent of Navarre on 17 January 1645 for King Charles II of Spain. Pedro Antonio de Medrano was elected regent of the Royal Council of Navarre from 1702 to 1705 for King Philip V . The prestige achieved by
2773-531: The town of Arróniz . He was the Lieutenant of the Governor of Navarre, a position he held from 1329–1330, and Judge of the Corte of Navarre. Juan Martínez de Medrano was the son of the ricohombre Juan Martinez de Medrano, Lord of Sartaguda and Viana , and Maria de Aibar. In 1260 AD, the regent's father Juan Martínez de Medrano was given the tower of Viana by King Theobald II of Navarre . His father
2832-453: The town of Fontellas and Monteagudo as a lifetime donation to Juan Martínez de Medrano in 1304, which later do not appear in royal records because Juan managed them directly. As the rule of the Evreux progresses in 1330, donations and agreements with the nobility increasingly resemble traditional homage commitments in their terms, language, and benefits. This evolving relationship between
2891-559: The town of Arróniz to the King for 48,500 sueldos, except for the chaplaincy he himself had founded and a house that his son Álvaro Díaz retained. His other son, Sancho Sánchez de Medrano, proceeded in the same way with the sale of the lordship of Villatuerta. It was actually a forced sale because these properties were linked to the debt letters that the crown had taken from the Jewish banker Ezmel de Ablitas . Judas (brother of Abraham Ezquerra)
2950-491: The way for Joan's accession to the throne of Navarre, as there was no longer anyone who could challenge her right to it. The Navarrese, uncomfortable with repressive governors appointed from Paris, were pleased to see the personal union with France come to an end. They held a general assembly at Puente la Reina on 13 March 1328, electing Juan Martínez de Medrano 'The Elder' and Juan Corbarán de Lehet as regents. Juan Martínez de Medrano and Juan Corbarán de Lehet were barons of
3009-486: Was again chosen to be the arbitrator, this time, over the border dispute concerning the ownership of the Monastery of Fitero that had developed into a war with Castille in 1335. Having successfully arbitrated between the two kings, Navarra signed a new peace treaty with Castille on 28 February 1336. The matter was not resolved until 1373 when it was concluded that the Monastery of Fitero had always belonged to Navarre. As
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#17327726348443068-417: Was also in debt to the Medrano family in the year 1341 when his son Açach signed a letter as a witness for a debt of one hundred and twenty pounds of small torneses . The indebted party was the affluent Jewish merchant Judas Abenavez, son of Ezmel de Ablitas, known as "El Viejo". This debt was owed to Sancho Sánchez de Medrano, the lord of Sartaguda, along with his wife María Pérez and Juan Pérez de Arbeiza,
3127-402: Was designated as the person responsible for defending the town and villages in that area on the border of Navarra with Castilla . In the year 1264, his father Juan Martinez de Medrano was a noble knight and the alcaide of the castle of Corella . As a result, his father's prestige rose, since in 1300 the council of Viana recognized the representation that Juan Martínez de Medrano made before
3186-603: Was documented and taken to Paris by Franciscan Pedro de Atarrabia and Dominican Ochoa de Salinas. The embassy succeeded as Joan and Philip accepted the decision. The ambassadors returned with official letters and the new kings' initial decisions. On 23 August 1328, Atarrabia met with regents Juan Corbarán de Lehet and Juan Martínez de Medrano in Olite. The regency of Juan Martinez de Medrano, which began on 13 March 1328, heralded eleven months of “popular government” in Navarra. During
3245-607: Was integrated into France in 1620. It was re-confirmed by Louis in 1622. It was not printed until 1644 and its last printing was in 1722. It was in effect until the French Revolution . A modern edition was published in 1968. This article relating to the law of Europe or of a European country is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Juan Mart%C3%ADnez de Medrano Juan Martínez de Medrano y Aibar ( Basque : Ganix, Spanish : Juan, French : Jean; 13th century – December 1337–May 1338), nicknamed
3304-423: Was not unique to the specified period but continued with marked intensity throughout the entire century. Juan Martinez de Medrano 'The Elder' must have enjoyed great power and reputation as a prudent man, since the kings of Navarre and Castile chose him as the arbitrator of their differences so that he would settle them according to his conscience at the beginning of the year 1331. In 1336, Juan Martínez de Medrano
3363-429: Was once a royal estate that, in 1079, housed at least five noble families. King Theobald I granted residents "costería" rights for 7 cahíces of wheat and 3 of barley yearly. By 1280, they owed 200 sueldos and 80 cahíces of wheat, barley, and oats. The Medrano lineage sold these rents to the Crown in 1342, with the council contributing 6,000 sueldos, making the village part of the Crown's patrimony. In 1342, his heirs sold
3422-460: Was sold to Juan de Arellano in 1508. The Monastery of Irache and the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem held lands there. Pope Lucius II confirmed the Pamplona episcopal see's rights over the local church in 1144. Married to Aldonza Sánchez, Juan Martínez de Medrano 'The Elder' died between December 1337 - May 1338 and left a long list of descendants who reinforced his lineage: One of
3481-493: Was soon dissolved. By 1334, historical records indicate that the brotherhood of Guipúzcoa, in conjunction with those of Lazcano, besieged the castle of Ausa. It appears that the effectiveness of this brotherhood might have been confined to the year 1330. During that year, Juan García de Reta, the merino from Pamplona, collected revenue from a tax specifically instituted to support the brotherhood. The border brotherhood established by Medrano in 1329, therefore, seems to have evolved on
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