Veiros, uma localidade da Mesa Mestral da Ordem de Avis, objeto de uma sentença de D. João III (1531)

Abstract

This paper aims to study a sentence from King John III, issued in 1531. The process guides us through a jurisdictional process about Veiros. The King’s mediation regarding the control over seigniorial and council jurisdictions, in the present case, situated within a territory administrated by the Military Order of Avis and by its Governor, D. Jorge. Our fundamental aim, besides explaining the structure of the judicial process in itself, is to explain the logic behind the royal decision influenced by the status of the this locality, by the chronology of the dispute, when relations between the crown and the Military Orders were headed for total control of the monarchy, by the importance of Mendoza who provided the alcaide (warlord) for the fortress and by the geopolitical positioning of Veiros, which justifies the military matters. This frame of references explains why John III decided in favour of the Order and against the municipality.