Seigneurial governance and the state in late medieval Guelders (14th-16th century)

This article charts the long-term development of seigneurial governance within the principality of Guelders in the Low Countries. Proceeding from four quantitative cross-sections (c. 1325, 1475, 1540, 1570) of seigneurial lordships, the conclusion is that seigneurial governance remained stable in late medieval Guelders. The central argument is that this persistence of seigneurial governance was an effect of active collaboration between princely administrations, lords, and local communities. Together, the princely government and seigneuries of Guelders formed an integrated, yet polycentric, state. The article thereby challenges the narrative of progressive state centralisation that predominates in the historiography of pre-modern state formation.

Automated summary

This article examines the long-term development of seigneurial governance within the principality of Guelders in the Low Countries. By analyzing four quantitative cross-sections, the conclusion is drawn that seigneurial governance remained stable in late medieval Guelders due to active collaboration between princely administrations, lords, and local communities, forming an integrated yet polycentric state. This challenges the prevailing narrative of progressive state centralization in pre-modern state formation historiography.