Ferrones y conflictos en la Cantabria del antiguo régimen. En torno al uso y aprovechamiento de la explotación forestal

Abstract

In the Old Regime forest natural resources and its possibilities of use were of immense importance. This great use potential caused conflicts among the participants involved in its exploitation. These disputes affected directly not only to the Iron Works owners or administrators but to the Concils, neighbours and the Crown that through legal channels tried to monopolize its exploitation and obtain its property. They even tried to curb building devices that were an obstacle for their industry. However, wood, renewable energetic resource did not regenerate at the same rate as the increase in its demand. For this reason, the forest surface suffered a serious setback and at the same time, getting fuel for the «ferrones» became a difficult aim.