Viscount of Molelos
Viscount of Molelos (Portuguese: Visconde de Molelos) is a Portuguese title of nobility. It was created in 1826 by John VI, king of Portugal, for General Francisco de Paula Vieira da Silva de Tovar, 11th Lord of the Honour of Molelos and 1st Baron of Molelos, as a reward for his role in the Portuguese invasion of the Banda Oriental.
The titled then passed to the first Viscount's only surviving grandson, António Vieira de Tovar de Magalhães e Albuquerque. In 1860, exiled king Miguel I created the 2nd Viscount of Molelos 1st Count of Molelos and 1st Marquess of Belavista. These titles, however, were never legally validated. Although António's only daughter died an infant, the vicomital title was given continuity by his closest living relatives, the descendents of his great-aunt Josefa Vieira da Silva de Tovar.
References
- Serrão, Manuel. História de Portugal, Volume VII: A Instauração do Liberalismo (1807-1832)