It’s not wood for vassals, but of the king. Habsburg forest policies in Portugal, 1609-1640

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Published: 18-11-2019

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Koldo Trapaga Monchet
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Spain
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4120-1530
Biography
No 28 (2019): Woods for the King from Philippines, ‘las Indias’ and Iberian Peninsula, Articles, pages pp. 105-134
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15304/ohm.28.5915
Submitted: 26-03-2019 Accepted: 04-11-2019 Published: 18-11-2019
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Abstract

This article aims at shedding light upon some elements of the state forestry policies implemented in the realm of Portugal during the kingships of Philip III and Philip IV, in regard with the shipbuilding activity for the royal fleets. Firstly, it intends to know some of the laws issued during the 1590s and 1600s, as they were the ground for the subsequent state forestry policies implemented by the Crown during the decades 1610 to 1630 by the so-called mechanisms of coutar. Secondly, the article explores processes of shrinking the royal forests and taking the administration away from the royal ministers. Furthermore, this article also focuses on the mechanisms run by the Crown to ensure the timber supply for shipbuilding either conducted by the royal officials or extraordinary appointments.

Keywords:

royal woodlands, state forestry, Portugal, royal fleets, Habsburg
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