The Baldrich mistresses through the marriage contracts (17th-19th centuries)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to study the role played by the wives of heirs from the Baldrich Valls (Tarragona) family in the development of the family’s patrimony. The study focuses on thirteen mistresses who were married to seven heirs from the second half of the 17th century until 1835, when the last Baldrich mistress died. Marriage contracts, wills and a notable amount of correspondence from this period have been preserved. The material and social contributions of these women are evaluated primarily through these public and private documents, which provide information of their activities as mistresses and heads of household.

Their role in the management of the Baldrich household demonstrates the importance of the selection of the heir’s wife in wealthy families. Aware of this fact, the Baldrichs carefully selected women who would build their assets, manage their homes, educate their children and help them achieve social significance. A good candidate would serve to strengthen ties with other families with similar economic interests, helping extend their circle of influence or increase their assets. The documents also show that mistresses were crucial in the transmission of cultural and religious values to the whole family, especially children, and also how they helped shape the worldview of the Baldrichs.