Seigneurial governance and the state in late medieval Guelders (14th–16th century)

Abstract This article charts the long-term development of seigneurial governance within principality Guelders in Low Countries. Proceeding from four quantitative cross-sections (c. 1325, 1475, 1540, 1570) lordships, conclusion is that remained stable late medieval Guelders. The central argument this persistence was an effect active collaboration between princely administrations, lords, and local communities. Together, government seigneuries formed integrated, yet polycentric, state. thereby challenges narrative progressive state centralisation predominates historiography pre-modern formation.