Navarre’s Institutions and Conflicts with the Spanish Monarchy
Institutions of the Kingdom of Navarre
In the Kingdom of Navarre, the central institution was the King or Viceroy. The King held military functions, administrative duties, and the appointment of officials.
The Courts
The Courts handled taxes and laws. The Supreme Court addressed claims against Navarrese charters (contrafueros). The Courts were composed of various strata of society: nobility, clergy, towns, and cities.
The Royal Council
The Royal Council advised the Viceroy on administrative functions and was the highest court for the King’s laws and privileges.
The Comptos Chamber
The Comptos Chamber controlled public finances and judged crimes against the realm’s tax property.
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reviewed judgments of local judges.
The County Council
The County Council was created in 1449 by the Prince of Viana. Its functions included monitoring compliance with laws and representing the kingdom before the monarch.
Other Institutions
- Coinage: Navarre established indirect taxes, recruited soldiers, and issued reports against charters. It consisted of three estates that made up the Courts: a member of the clergy, a member of the nobility, and a representative of the universities. A delegate in Madrid defended Navarre’s interests directly before the King and his ministers.
- Currency: Navarre retained its own currency, minted in the Navarre mint. Although of equal value to coins from the rest of the territory, they bore the corresponding numbering of the King of Navarre. These coins were of poor quality and circulated internally.
- Customs: Navarre maintained its borders with customs located on the border with Aragon and Castile, not in the Pyrenees.
- Legislation: Navarre retained its legislation (fueros). From Fernando el Católico, the Kings swore to uphold the charters. Navarre used a different numeral system than Castile, forcing the King to exercise his sovereignty in accordance with Navarrese privileges.
Navarrese institutions were alert to any contrafuero and ready to appeal.
Clashes with the House of Austria
During the 17th century, Navarre faced numerous confrontations with the Spanish Habsburg Monarchy (House of Austria).
The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648)
The construction of the citadel of Pamplona as an impregnable defense center and tension on the border led to the mobilization of troops. In 1638, Navarrese soldiers clashed with French troops, forcing the French to retreat.
Disputes over Pastures
Frequent clashes occurred due to disputes with shepherds over the use of pastures.
Defense of the Charters
Navarre clashed with Spain, particularly with Felipe IV, in defense of its charters.
The Union of Arms
The Count-Duke of Olivares’ decree of the Union of Arms, aimed at distributing the costs of the Thirty Years’ War beyond Castile, provoked significant unrest. This contributed to the independence of Portugal and the revolt of Catalonia.
Resistance to Military Service
In 1652, Navarre opposed sending troops to Catalonia and Portugal. Navarre preferred to pay more to avoid clashes involving its soldiers. Throughout the century, there were periods of conflict and compromise, but Navarre consistently maintained its statutory institutions.