Andorra Publishes Stolen 18th-Century Council Book Online After 100+ Years

The General Council has published Book IV of the Acts of the General Council of the Valleys of Andorra online, offering public access to the volume recovered in February 2024 after its theft from the Armari de les Sis Claus in the early 20th century and more than a century out of sight. The digitized records, available at https://www.consellgeneral.ad/actes-historiques/llibres-actes/llibres-dactes, cover acts from 28 October 1743 to 9 May 1864. The book, in good condition following restoration and foliation, lacks its final notebook with the list of consuls and councillors from 1817 to 1864.

This era represented a key phase in Andorra's political and institutional development, with the Council serving as both legislative and executive body. Documents detail regular duties, including the triennial submission of the "sixth"—a list of six candidates—to co-princes' representatives, notaries' oaths, and disputes over tithe payments to the Episcopal See. From 1842, the Council pursued converting in-kind tithes to monetary payments, a shift that lasted until 1903.

Notable events include the 1718 refusal of an episcopal veguers appointment, sparking conflict with the Bishop of Urgell. By the mid-19th century, records show mounting economic pressures: forge shutdowns, livestock losses, and customs hurdles, paving the way for the 1866 New Reform. That change broadened voting rights to all household heads and divided consuls from councillors.

The acts also capture responses to upheavals, such as quarantine steps during a 1782 malaria epidemic and 1821 yellow fever cases linked to Cuba, alongside mentions of contraband, deserters, and refugees. A highlight from 19 May 1806 records syndics Anton Picart y Areny, Bonaventura Riba from Guillaumes, and Bonaventura Rossell meeting Ariège's prefect to affirm loyalty to Napoleon—newly recognized as co-prince via a 27 March decree—and settle tribute arrears from the 1798 Revolution. A 7 July entry noted the resolution's success.

The release illuminates Andorra's governance during a period of consolidation amid revolutions and crises.