Re: Countries with an establshed nobility?
Posted: 07 Sep 2013, 03:01
During the Empire of Brazil (1822-1889), the nobility was ad personam i.e. not hereditary and, with rare exceptions, bought. In the early year of the Republic, the extinct titles were used as courtesy title. A famous example is the Baron of Rio Branco, that served several terms as minister of Foreign Affairs and is a kind of national hero.
During the time the Portuguese courts were fixed at Rio de Janeiro (1808-1821), hundreds of nobility titles were created (the money was important to kingdom's budget). Those are hereditary, but aren't currently recognized by Portugal or Brazil.
A curious case is Lord Cochrane, that gained the title of Marquess of Maranhão by Emperor Pedro I; although the title was ad personam at Brazil, his descendants still use it, in the United Kingdom. His arms are marquess of Maranhão are identical to those of earl of Dundonald or chief of Clan Cochrane.
During the time the Portuguese courts were fixed at Rio de Janeiro (1808-1821), hundreds of nobility titles were created (the money was important to kingdom's budget). Those are hereditary, but aren't currently recognized by Portugal or Brazil.
A curious case is Lord Cochrane, that gained the title of Marquess of Maranhão by Emperor Pedro I; although the title was ad personam at Brazil, his descendants still use it, in the United Kingdom. His arms are marquess of Maranhão are identical to those of earl of Dundonald or chief of Clan Cochrane.