Cluny and its priories in fifteenth-century Castile

Abstract

Cluny’s control over its Hispanic priories was weakened in the fifteenth century by the popes’ interference in the naming of priors and in confirming alienations. The attempts made by the abbots Robert de Chaudesolles and Jean de Bourbon to reaffirm their authority were effective only for a time. Even so, the monks continued to consider themselves as Cluniacs, enjoying the privileges of the order, having recourse to their conservators and, especially, celebrating their own liturgy. Between 1470 and 1513, the papal appointment of commendatory abbots and the monarchs’ support for the reform of San Benito de Valladolid led to the Cluniac priories becoming exempt from Cluny’s jurisdiction. This was possible due to the disappearance, or inaction, of those agents who traditionally exercised control over the priories: priors, chamberlains and visitors.