In 1340, King Alfonso XI gave the people of Peñamellera jurisdiction, gaining representation without having to visit the sites of the Merindad of Asturias de Santillana. Subsequently various stately powers appeared such as Aguilar, who also occupied the lordship of Peñamellera. This measure brought about the appearance of stately towers and the patrimonialization of public office. Colosia towers and Siejo are examples of this. It is during this time that the intention to divide the valley into two administrative units arose, the high valley and the low valley (their separation was not effective until 1889).