Francisco de Mascarenhas
Francisco de Mascarenhas was the 1st count of Vila da Horta, the 1st count of Santa Cruz and the 13th vice-regent of Portuguese controlled India from 1581 until 1584, captain of donatary of the islands of Flores and Corvo.
The Count of Vila da Horta was a title created by Philip I of Portugal in 1585 in favor of Francisco. The first count was lost the captaincy of the island of Fail and demanded with the Royal Family, Philip I substituted the title with the count of Santa Cruz conceded the title as a captaincy of donatary in the islands of Corvo and Flores.
Count of Santa Cruz (in Portuguese Conde de Santa Cruz) was a Portuguese title of nobility created by a royal decree of King Philip I of Portugal, dated from October 3, 1593, and granted to Francisco de Mascarenhas (1530-1608), nephew of Dom Pedro de Mascarenhas, 6th Viceroy of Portuguese India.
Through a remarkable marriage policy, this family inherited several other titles and estates, such as Marquis of Gouveia in 1686, and Duke of Aveiro in 1745.
| Preceded by Fernão Teles de Menezes |
13th Vice Regent of Portuguese India 1581-1584 |
Succeeded by Duarte de Menezes, 14th Viceroy of India |