Relieve the conscience and care for the soul: Wills from the Island of São Jorge (1518–1656)

This project studied around fifty wills from the first generations of settlers on the island of São Jorge, in the Azores, mainly from the island's initial population centres: Velas and Topo.

This study gave rise to the book ‘Aliviar, a consciência e cuidar da alma: Testamentos da Ilha de São Jorge (1518-1656)’ (‘Relieve the conscience and care for the soul: Wills from the island of São Jorge (1518-1656)’), which, in addition to the full publication of these documents, is preceded by an introduction on the evolution of the study of wills in Portugal and their importance for social history and, in particular, family history.

Despite their small number, the collection of wills constitutes a significant sample of Jorgian society since its beginnings. They reveal how the social, administrative and religious life of its population was organised.

Artur Teodoro de Matos was the researcher and author. The work was published in the Estudos e Documentos collection and edited by Universidade Católica Editora.