The Brave Apostle? The Power Relations of Jerónimo Fernando and the Municipality of Funchal (1619-1643)

Abstract

This article aims to delve into the power relations exerted in the Madeiran archipelago, in the first half of the 17^th century, by analyzing both conflict and cooperation between Jerónimo Fernando, bishop of Funchal (1619-1650), and the city’s municipal officials. One must begin with the bishop’s biography and his historiographical reputation – the one that gave him the moniker of Brave Apostle –, to then study several moments of dispute and agreement between the two institutions. The investigation allowed one to recognize three different periods in which collaboration or competition prevailed, while also admitting that these relations were complex and needed to be problematized.

Keywords

Power Relations; Jerónimo Fernando; Bishop of Funchal; Municipal Power.