The Role of the Regular Clergy in Internal Conflicts and Foreign Wars of the Crown of Castile during the Low Middle Ages

Abstract

The regular clergy played a major role in conflicts in Castile during the Lower Middle Ages. This article analyses the part played by religious communities in the internal conflicts and foreign wars affecting the Crown, in terms of their presence on the side of one of the warring parties and their role as mediators in disputes. We will also address the financial contribution of monasteries and convents to the war effort, as well as the interceding role played by some priests or liturgical objects stored in certain monasteries. Lastly, we refer to the use of monastery and convent buildings as places of refuge and shelter during times of conflict, the agreements signed within their walls and their use in the building of fortresses and other military infrastructure needed to carry out campaigns.