Navarra en la corte española: evolución de la figura de los «agentes» en la Edad Moderna [Navarra at the Spanish Court: evolution of the «agents» in the Modern Age]

Abstract

The figure of a messenger or ambassador of the Kingdom of Navarra in the Court of Madrid, has become institutionalized in 1569. Since the incorporation of the Kingdom of Navarra to the Crown of Castile in 1515 commissioners had continuously been sent there to be responsible for defending the interests of the Kingdom in Madrid. However, since 1569 the continuous presence of an agent in the Court between meetings of the Courts of Navarra was established, with an annual salary and the pertinent instruction. This solicitador or agent reported to Deputation, through his secretary, and obeyed its order and the one of the Courts to defend the interests of Navarra. The study of the figure and, particularly, of his correspondence and instructions, allows to know the questions that worried to the Kingdom throughout the Modern Age.