Los alcaldes mayores de Cataluña: una evolución desigual y conflictiva (1717-1808)

This article analyses the evolution of the alcaldes mayores or tenientes de corregidores in Catalonia between 1717 and 1808, beginning at the moment when Philip V imposed the Decree of the Nueva Planta, abolishing the fueros of Catalonia and establishing the new position of the alcaldes mayores. Through a study of this decree, together with the Ordinance of Intendentes-Corregidores of 1749 and the decree of March 25, 1783, the article assesses the importance of these Castilian magistrates in Catalonia. It analyses the most important characteristics of the Catalonian alcaldes mayores, including their origin, profession, and important problems facing them such as the scarce possibilities of promotion in the royal tribunals