Spain Nobility
There are two main categories of Spanish nobility records, titled and non-titled nobility. These categories have different collections that document the Spanish nobility.
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Non-titled Nobility Records (Hidalguías)
Hidalguía or Hidalgo means 'son of something.' Hidalgo status could be obtained in two ways: 1) inherited - usually from an ancestor that assisted in the reconquest in some way; and 2) Privilege - granted by the Crown.
Hidalgos were not given titles (see Titled Nobility below), there were a few material and financial benefits for obtaining or maintaining the status.
- Immunity from payment of royal taxes, including pechos and derramas. Although they were exempted to royal taxes, they were still obligated to pay local and council taxes.
- Important governmental posts required that they be held by hidalgos, this included officers in the regular Spanish military (until 1831), becoming a member of military orders, or local government positions.
- Exempt from the forced quartering of soldiers.
- Debts could not be collected by seizure of residences, horses, mules, or personal weapons.
was based on lineage and ancestry, not based on wealth. Hidalgo status was normally given to individuals or families that It is the work of hundreds of thousands who have spent millions of hours compiling family histories. These records were created at the request of persons seeking status as part of the untitled nobility.
The records were generated by hidalgos as proof of ancestry in order to enjoy the privileges and financial rewards of that status For instance, the hidalgo was exempt from the payment of various taxes and from military conscription. Another reason for petitioning was to obtain membership in a fraternal or military order. Hidalgo status was based on lineage and not wealth so some were laborers, cobblers, shopkeepers, etc. Earliest records begin about 1409 and continue to at least 1931.
Records contain compiled genealogies and other documentation. The compiled genealogical information usually covers at least three generations (sometimes as many as seven to nine) as well as collateral lines. They are generally found at archives from the municipal to the national level. Perhaps as much as 30% of the male population is identified in these records.