Ascenso social e hidalguía en el Castelló del Setecientos

Abstract

At the beginning of the eighteen century the high aristocracy of Castelló had nearly completely abandoned the city because of its rural character and the attraction exerted by Valencia. In such circumstances, second-rate nobles played and hegemonic role. Besides, the Nova Planta Decree created in Castelló a new order in political institutions and social structure accommodated to hat of Castilie. It was extremely important a certificate which equalized knights and citizens of the previous period wich Castilian style hidalgos. The decision created serious problems of interpretation. Because of many doubtful situations, the King favoured families, like the Giner's, who had strongly supported him during the conflict. But social inertias in small townships were stronger than royal political decisions: the families with steady rents that controlled local governments in the previous period kept their prace in the new circumstances.