Guardianship, Gender, and the Nobility in Early Modern Spain

Contrary to early modern patriarchal assumptions, this study argues that noblemen in early modern Spain depended on the active collaboration of noblewomen to maintain and expand their authority, wealth, and influence. Drawing on a variety of archival documents from Toledo, Grace Coolidge examines in detail the legal status of these women, their role within their families, and their responsibilities for the children and property in their care.

Grace E. Coolidge is an Associate Professor of History at Grand Valley State University, USA.

Contents: Introduction; Inheritance law, guardianship, and women; 'The great love and affection I have for her'; appointing female guardians; 'Giving security to the youthful years': raising wards and managing noble property; 'With license and authority'; arranging marriages for noble wards; 'A guardian should bring suit': female guardians in court; 'I have been diligent': life after guardianship; Conclusion; Works cited; Index.