Ferrenció

Ferrenció is a term that appears in historical Spanish texts, primarily referring to a type of tax or toll. The exact nature and scope of ferrenció could vary depending on the specific time period and region within the Iberian Peninsula where it was levied. It is often associated with the collection of dues related to the use of roads, bridges, or certain markets.

Historically, ferrenció was a means for royal or seigneurial authorities to generate revenue and maintain infrastructure or provide services. The collection might have been managed by appointed officials or farmed out to private individuals. Records suggest that these payments were often made in kind, such as agricultural produce or livestock, or in coin. The term itself may derive from the Latin word "ferro," suggesting a connection to iron or possibly to the act of carrying or transporting goods.

Understanding ferrenció requires examining its context within the economic and administrative systems of medieval and early modern Spain. Its presence signifies a layer of fiscal obligation placed upon merchants, travelers, or producers. Detailed information about specific instances of ferrenció is typically found in archival documents, such as royal decrees, municipal records, and private account books, which offer insights into the economic life of the era.