Parliament of Aix-en-Provence

The Parliament of Aix-en-Provence was the regional parliament of Provence from 1501 to 1790. It was headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, which served as the de facto capital of Provence.

History

The region of Provence became a member of the Kingdom of France in 1481.[1] Two decades later, in 1501, King Louis XII of France (1462–1515) established the Parliament of Provence in Aix-en-Provence.[1][2][3] By 1535, the powers of the seneschal of Provence were given to the Parliament of Aix.[3] It was modeled after the Parliament of Paris.[1] It set administrative and regulatory guidelines for Provence.[1][3] It was also in charge of police and healthcare, as well as the oversight of boarding houses, prostitution, religious freedom, etc.[1][3] At times, the Parliament was closer to the King of France or the Pope, depending on its wishes.[3] For example, in 1590, when it refused to follow Henry IV of France (1553–1610), the King established another parliament in Pertuis.[4]

It comprised first presidents, présidents à mortier, advisors, general advocates, advocates for the poor, etc. By 1604, it became legal to purchase a hereditary position and pass it on to one's male heirs.[1] By 1789, only 6% were commoners, the rest of which were aristocrats.[1] A third were only recently ennobled, even though by 1769 it became practically impossible to join the Parliament if one failed to have four aristocratic ancestors.[1]

It was dismantled in September 1790, during the French Revolution.[1][3][5]

First Presidents

Président à mortier

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Monique Cubells, Le Parlement de Provence, Cite du Livre
  2. ↑ Noël Coulet, 'D'un parlement à l'autre (1415-1501)', in Le parlement de Provence : 1501-1790, Aix-en-Provence: Publications de l'Université de Provence, 2002, p. 19
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Archives 13
  4. ↑ Pierre Miquel, Les Guerres de religion, Paris: Club France Loisirs, 1980, p. 367
  5. ↑ Charles de Ribbe, Pascalis - Étude sur la fin de la Constitution provençale, 1787-1790, Dentu, 1854, p. 241
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