Linhares: A Noble Lineage Through Portuguese History
Exploring the Counts and Dukes who shaped Portugal's aristocratic landscape, tracing their lineage and the significance of these noble titles.
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Understanding the Title
Origin of the Countship
The title of Count of Linhares (Conde de Linhares) was established in Portugal through a royal decree issued by King John III on May 13, 1532. This honor was bestowed upon Dom Antรณnio de Noronha, the second son of Pedro de Menezes, who was the first Marquis of Vila Real. This marked the initial establishment of the Linhares countship within the Portuguese nobility.
Loyalty and Shifting Allegiances
Following a period of political upheaval, the family associated with the Linhares title relocated to Spain. Their continued allegiance to the Spanish Habsburg monarchs, even after the Portuguese Restoration of Independence on December 1, 1640, led to the new House of Braganza no longer recognizing their claim to the Countship of Linhares. This divergence in recognition highlights the complex political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula during that era.
A Second Creation
Centuries later, in the early 19th century, Queen Maria I of Portugal re-established the title. By royal decree dated December 17, 1808, the title of Count of Linhares was granted anew. This second creation was awarded to Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho, who became the first Count of Linhares under this new designation. His distinguished career included serving as Governor of Portuguese Angola and as a notable Portuguese ambassador in Turin, underscoring his significant role as a statesman.
First Creation (1532)
The Noronha Lineage
The first creation of the Countship of Linhares, dating back to 1532, was primarily associated with the Noronha family. This lineage saw several individuals hold the title, with some later also being recognized as Dukes, though these ducal titles were not officially acknowledged within Portugal.
- Antรณnio de Noronha (1464โ1551), 1st Count of Linhares.
- Francisco de Noronha (1507โ1574), 2nd Count of Linhares.
- Fernando de Noronha (c. 1540 โ 1608), 3rd Count of Linhares.
- Miguel de Noronha (c. 1585 โ 1647), 4th Count of Linhares.
- Fernando de Noronha (c.1600โ?), 5th Count and 1st Duke of Linhares (title not recognized in Portugal).
- Miguel de Noronha (1645โ?), 6th Count and 2nd Duke of Linhares (title not recognized in Portugal).
Second Creation (1808)
The Sousa Coutinho Lineage
The second creation of the Countship of Linhares, initiated in 1808 by Queen Maria I, brought the Sousa Coutinho family into prominence with this title. This line continued for several generations, reflecting the enduring nature of noble titles through successive heirs.
- Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho (1755โ1812), 1st Count of Linhares.
- Vitรณrio Maria de Sousa Coutinho (1790โ1857), 2nd Count of Linhares.
- Rodrigo de Sousa Coutinho (1823โ1894), 3rd Count of Linhares.
- Fernando de Sousa Coutinho (1850โ1897), 4th Count of Linhares.
- Nuno de Sousa Coutinho (1854โ1929), 5th Count of Linhares.
- Carlos de Sousa Coutinho (1880โ?), 6th Count of Linhares.
- Nuno de Sousa Coutinho (1914โ2006), 7th Count of Linhares.
Dukes of Linhares/Liรฑares (Spanish Title)
Spanish Recognition
Following the Portuguese Restoration of 1640, Fernando de Noronha, who held the title of the 5th Count of Linhares, remained loyal to the Spanish Habsburgs. In recognition of this steadfast fidelity, King Philip IV of Spain elevated the title of Count to that of Duke of Linhares. It is important to note that this ducal title, while granted by the Spanish crown, was never officially recognized within Portugal.
Evolution of the Title
The Spanish designation of the ducal title underwent a change in spelling. In 1667, King Charles II of Spain altered it to the Spanish form, "Duke of Liรฑares." This Spanish ducal title later passed to Fernando de Lancastre y Noronha. He was also recognized with other Spanish titles, including Marquis of Porto Seguro and Duke of Abrantes, all granted by King Philip IV to Portuguese aristocrats who demonstrated loyalty to the Habsburgs. These Spanish titles, however, do not hold validity within Portugal.
Bibliography & External Resources
Scholarly Works and Genealogies
The historical and genealogical information regarding the Counts and Dukes of Linhares is documented in various scholarly works and genealogical databases. These resources provide detailed accounts of the lineage, titles, and historical context.
Bibliography:
- "Nobreza de Portugal e do Brasil" โ Vol. II, pages 688/692. Published by Zairol Lda., Lisbon 1989.
External Resources:
- Genealogy of the Counts of Linhares (first creation), in Portuguese
- Genealogy of the Counts of Linhares (second creation), in Portuguese
- Genealogy of the Dukes of Linhares, in Portuguese
- Genealogy of the Spanish Dukes of Linares, in Spanish
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on the Counts and Dukes of Linhares, and may not encompass all nuances or the most current historical interpretations.
Historical and Genealogical Information: While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, genealogical research and historical accounts can be complex. This content is not a substitute for rigorous academic research or consultation with professional historians or genealogists.
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