The local administrative system of France under Philip IV (1285–1314) - baillis and seneschals

Abstract

In this article, I propose a new framework for understanding the administrative structure of France under Philip IV. I focus on baillis and seneschals, who were two types of major officials governing local districts ( bailliages or sénéchaussées) in France by the late thirteenth century. Baillis were usually located in the northern part of France, while seneschals were found in the south. It has been generally assumed that, despite their different titles, baillis and seneschals had almost identical functions in royal administration. I call this overly simplified understanding into question, and suggest that baillis and seneschals had completely different administrative functions, reflecting the different characteristics of bailliages and sénéchaussées. In the bailliages, under the direct control of the king, baillis and their subordinate officials were delegated a small portion of the king's power (“a qualitative division of royal power” was made). In the sénéchaussées outside the direct protection of the king's military power, seneschals were entrusted with full royal powers, including that of military force (“a quantitative division of royal power” was made).