Maltesenobles17

 

INDEX

 

1. Introduction
2. The Maltese Nobility as it was published between 1980 and 1992
3. Published “Changes” and “Successions” 1983-1986
4. Published “Changes” and “Successions” 1981 -1992
5. Sources and References.

Introduction

 

This paper attempts to shed some light on the published inconsistencies relative to the Maltese Nobility extant during the government of the Order of Saint John of the Maltese islands (1530-1798)

In the wake of the collapse of the government, and despite the fact that all titles of nobility had been formally abolished by the victorious Napoleon, after the French were ousted in 1800 a small number of ennobled families nevertheless resumed to claim titles which had been created by the Order during its government of the Maltese Islands, prominent examples including the Testaferrata (__) , De Piro (__) , Galea (__) and Sceberras (__) as well as the fairly-new ones like Apap (__) , Delicata (__) , Fontani (__) and Alessi (__)

It is important to stress that in 1798 Maltese titles, albeit formally abolished by Napoleon, fell into a state of uncertainty and non-regulation, and interim incidents like teething problems for the new British administration could well have muddied the correct application of the rules of succession between 1798 and the 1870s. Although titles were abolished, the interpretation by the legal luminaries appears to have been the abolition was of no effect. 

 

However, the damage appears to have been contained by the appointment of a Commission to enquire into the claims of the Maltese nobility, which claims were listed in 1877 by the group known as the “Assembly of the Maltese Nobility” . In this sense, Malta enjoys the unique advantage of having had a 19^th century Royal Commission examine all the titles of nobility which were shown to be extant during the government of the Order. All titles which proceeded from the Grand Masters were granted between 1710 and 1796 and the last investiture by a Grand Master was in 1798. 

 

Whilst only the titles claimed were examined, some claims were not found to satisfy the relative criteria and some were left undecided by the Commission. It is also important to stress that of the 32 titles described below, the Royal Commissioners definitively upheld only 20 in their Report, 2 of which were held by the same individuals, and added another 1 in their supplemental Report. 

 

A significant advantage for the historian is that the Report confirms the principle that the terms of the grants created by the Grand Masters are constant because they are to be interpreted according to the rules that were in force until 1798 and not according to later romanticisms.  For example, in the course of the Commission’s enquiry, a number of individuals laid claim to titles, including Maria Apap and Alessandro Sceberras who made separate claims to the title of Marsa. Alas, these claimants appear to have fallen victim to wishful thinking and fantasy, for no satisfactory legal argument or genealogical evidence was produced to justify their claims. Equally no regard whatsoever was had of prominent individuals who held official positions after the commencement of the British Administration who were addressed by the titles claimed by them. Thus, for example, no regard was had to the fact that both Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani (senior) and Baldassare Sant had been referred to as a Marchese and Conte respectively in their 1815 appointment.

 

This principle of consistency should apply equally to the singular titles granted by the Grand Masters, as well as to the multiple titles of San Giorgio, Taflia, Ghain Toffieha (__), Gnien-Is Sultan (__) and Senia (__) . There are two exceptions to this principle, namely the title of Beberrua and that of Buleben which were subsequently by grace and favour of Queen Victoria extended in 1883 to favour certain descendants in a predetermined order. 

 

The Report also examined a number of titles which originated outside Malta; these grants remained subject to the laws of the countries where they originated, as seen especially from the Commissioners’ commentaries on the titles of De Piro and Mont’ Alto. The Commissioners departed from this principle of foreign origin in their Supplemental Report where they decided to limit the multiple remainder of Preziosi (__). Later exceptions to this principle were noted, namely that of Fournier which is an Austrian title rendered Sicilian/Maltese in 1878 by decision of the Secretary of State for the Colonies; in addition the titles of Testaferrata Olivier (__) and Cassar Desain (__) were extended in 1883 also by Grace and favour of Queen Victoria, also in a predetermined order.

 

Another general feature of the Report is that succession of titles is reckoned from the grantee and not from the possessor. A later decision of the local courts regarding Catena  attempted to disrupt this principle but was put right by decision of the Privy Council. Some exceptions are noted namely the fiefs of Djar il-Bniet and Buqana and Ghariescem and Tabia (__)where the Report shifts primary emphasis on succession by way of possession, instead of by way of descent from the grantee. 

 

Sadly, the Report disallowed a number of titles which, with hindsight, deserved a better treatment, namely that of Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire and various patriciates. Other titles particularly the very Maltese titles of “Illustrissimo” and “Nobile” and “Barone di Frigenuini” as well as the Neapolitan “Duca di Paganica” were not considered.

 

In any case, there is, at least in principle, no room for any descendant tampering with the preordained succession ordered by the Grand Masters  of those titles which passed muster: In fact the Report makes it clear that any error made in regard to any of these titles of nobility should be ignored even if such titles have been successively attributed to any number of individuals for any length of time. 

 

“151. Whatever may be the effects which similar agreements may produce between the contracting parties, on which point we shall not offer any remark, it is an unquestionable principle of law that titles of nobility, as they affect social order, must exclusively proceed from the Crown, from which all honours and distinctions emanate. We cannot, therefore, assume that titles, such as the ones we are considering, can be lawfully explained, construed or extended by private agreements.” 

“165. We also found in several lists of the electors of the members of council for Malta and Gozo, published under Government authority, the said Gio. Paolo Testaferrata referred to as “Marchese” in the list of electors for Gozo, and “dei Marchesi” in the list of those of Malta. In some notices the late Francesco Gauci Bonici, who was for several years member of the Council of Government, is designated as Barone, which title had originally been given to one of his ancestors, for the term of his life only. (Sua naturali vita perdurante). The above stated circumstances lead us to conclude that no great importance was formerly attached by the Local Government to a proper use of the titles of nobility. In confirmation of this statement, we may mention that in several Government notices the late Baldasare Sant was styled Count, to which title he had no right. His son and heir, Lazzaro Sant, does not claim but the titles of Conte and Barone Fournier de Pausier, which he inherited from his mother Luigia, wife of the said Baldassare, to whom they were certainly not communicable. It must, however, be remarked that since 1870 the said Gio Paolo Testaferrata and Lorenzo Cassar Desain have been styled Marchesi in several Government notices concerning the Agrarian Society, and the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. 166. With reference to the foregoing papers, by which the above-named claimants have attempted to establish the recognition of the title now under consideration, on the part of the British Government, we beg to refer his Excellency’s attention to the fact, that, as far as we are aware, such official documents emanating from the head of the Local Government and other authorities of the island, were not issued pursuant to orders received from Her Majesty or her predecessors, who are the source of all honours and distinctions.”

 

It may be that some titles or certain relevant facts went unnoticed by the Royal Commission, but once these finally come to light, the legal principles found in the said report are key to interpreting the grants and changes which may have been effected by the fons honorum.

 

Conversely, if a fact is later brought to light which, had it been known then, would have reasonably motivated the Commissioners to disallow a claim then the correct application of legal principles would reject the succession of the title concerned. It appears that at least one title namely that of San Vincenzo Ferreri could have been refuted on this basis.

 

It would appear that the Commissioners were adverse to any form of private transaction, whether made during one’s lifetime or by way of a will which is not sanctioned by the Sovereign. This conclusion is arrived at both from the Commissioners’ Report  as well as other documentary proof which does not appear to have been considered by the Commission. In the Report two titles namely Catena and Bahrija (__) were identified as transmissible even to strangers in blood. Whilst the former is effectively tempered by a primogenitura mascolina referred to in the relative grant, it appears that the latter grant is free of any constraints. However, it would be clear enough that for a stranger to successfully succeed such title, he would have to obtain consent from the fons honorum which obviously cannot be achieved because the fons had ended in 1798.

 

Following fairly exhaustive research by the Commission, a supplemental report as well as a later adjustment by a separate Committee, some 31 titles were admitted by the British Colonial office all on the premise that these were titles created, registered or otherwise recognized by the government of the Order of Saint John of the Maltese Islands (1530-1798). 

 

Thereafter the determination of succession was left in the hands of the newly constituted ‘Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility” elected by and from amongst the holders of the titles which were admitted by the aforesaid cumulative effect. It appears that around this time (1883-1889), the Assemblea lost its political clout and retired into obscurity. Decisions of the Committee were made “subject to a court of law” only, clearly confirming the British Colonial Office’s wish not to directly involve the British Sovereign in any interference of the nobility that was extant between 1530 and 1798. Other than the misguided 1883 interference with the titles of Beberrua, Buleben, Testaferrata Olivier (__) and Cassar Desain, there does not seem to be any documented evidence whatsoever that any of the British Monarchs interfered directly with the successions of any title regarded as part of Malta’s nobility leaving the final word of interpretation to the courts. In addition to the 19^th century documentation, we find a number of judgments, two of which going as far as the Privy Council namely Catena and Castel Cicciano which assist us determine the correct interpretation of a primogenial remainder.

The titolati who were members of the Committee of Privileges were afforded a direct representation in the first Constitutions that followed. However separate political turmoil brought about changes and the body of titolati eventually stopped featuring prominently on Malta’s constitutional map. 

By now, some actions of this fairly-new body which was only first conceived some 90 years after the last title had been created, must have been regarded as inconsistent with historic fact and origin. For example, reading through the published entries in Debrett’s, Burke’s and the like, no mention is made whatsoever of the Royal Assent given in 1737 to the private 1734 attachment of the title of Gomerino (__)to a particular primogenitura, and instead we find reported a succession effected by a private deed of 1744 which does not appear to have ever achieved any formal assent but is the basis of justifying another private nomination dated 1713 which in turn justifies a private nomination of 1827. Similarly, the same publications paint the Neapolitan title of Castel Cicciano and the Sicilian title of San Giovanni (__)as having been rendered subject to Maltese rules and the (erroneous-) practice of succession by nomination , rather than the laws of the country where that title originated; and we find the former title being after 1926, attributed to a lady, and the latter being the subject of a “nomination” notwithstanding the respective objecting considerations that the laws of united Italy had changed Neapolitan law, and that Sicilian law (very much like the old Maltese law on titles of nobility) required a private transaction to be formally assented to by the Sovereign. 

By the 1940s, the Committee was politically finished, effectively retaining only the right to have its decisions published in the Government Gazette. 

Unfortunately, it appears that the Commission’s standards of 1878 and even the more generous ones of the 1883 Committee, were largely abandoned during the next  period, and it has now become clear that some titolati had been recognised on the basis of flimsy or nonexistent evidence. For example, we read that in 1949 the title of Beberrua, first declared extinct in 1878 and then perpetuated anew in 1883 limitedly in favour of males only and descending in a preordained line, was “awarded” to a lady descended through a female line. 

The year 1974 saw Malta becoming a Republic and legislation was soon introduced in 1975 withdrawing any form of recognition of titles of nobility and a steady flow of judgments has confimed that the Maltese State does not wish to be drawn into these matters, even though its official heritage and tourism offices flaunt the claim that Malta has had a nobility since 1350 (__) which is year to which Djar il-Bniet and Bucana was backdated.  – More entertaining are the instances where the Maltese State Authorities fall victim to bad or incomplete research. For example, in 1998 the Postmaster General issued a “Treasures of Malta” set of stamps to commemorate the choice of Valletta as European City of Culture for June 1998. In this set the Postmaster described Pietro Paolo Testaferrata Abela as the “5^th” Baron of Gomerino (__) when contemporary evidence from the Order’s period shows that he could only have been the 4^th .

The 1975 legislation did not formally abolish the titles, implying that they still exist. In a sense, this harks back to the confusion between 1798 and 1878. 

A) The Maltese Nobility as it was published between 1980 and 1992

The years 1978-1981 saw a renewed interest in Maltese “title holders”, but the laudable inroads achieved by the two authors mentioned below, appears to have unwittingly paved the way for what could be described as the “post-republican effect”.

Writing in 1980, John Attard Montalto (who later succeeded as ‘Baron of San Paolino’ (__)) in his book “The Nobles of Malta 1530-1800” (Mid-Sea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980) (__) observes:- 

 

“What of the nobles to-day? They still exist, although their numbers have certainly dwindled, and some titles have fallen into abeyance – for instance the Counts of Bahria and Senia and Marquises of Taflia and Ghajn Qajjet. It is usual for Petitions to be presented to the Committee of Privileges by claimants, but it is unusual for decisions to be taken. This Committee still meets, but its function is now a little obscure.

In modern society the nobles have, however, mostly lost their identity. No longer a group, no longer united, they have gone their separate ways. A few have succeeded not by the heroic deeds of their ancestors, but through personal endeavour. Some have adopted certain professions. Counts Chapelle Paleologo took up law, and Counts Preziosi are renowned opthalmologists. Others have gone into business; property speculation appears to be a common interest. The activities if some are untypical – such as dealing in antiques, property development, agriculture, and involvement in the motor industry. Others have not been so fortunate. One Baroness has turned to philanthropy and her vintage motor-car is always filled to the brim with milk-bottle tops. By way of contrast, another Countess is one of the main participants of the women’s emancipation movement in Malta.

Nowadays, the nobility is basically non-political. Fearful of losing privileges (many of which have been lost for at least a century and a half) initially abrupt, but ultimately friendly, many continue to live in their miniature museums. They are no longer great land owners, since most of their property has, long-since, been sold. A few are still engaged in their long-drawn out disputes and endless property wrangles. 

Nevertheless, aspirations for titles and honours are still very much alive. It has become fashionable either to resurrect long-forgotten titles, or to acquire, often for substantial sums of money, foreign Knighthoods or bogus titles.

In 1975, the Maltese Government under the Premiership of Dom. Mintoff brought in a Bill for the purpose of abolishing titles of nobility. On the 25 June 1975, the President of the Republic of Malta, Sir Anthony Mamo, gave his assent to Act No. XXIX. Although titles of nobility were not abolished ‘for historical reasons’, they would no longer be recognized.”

 

On the other hand, writing in 1981, Charles A. Gauci in his book “The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta”, Gulf Publications, Malta, 1981) (__), with a foreword by The Most Noble Jerome De Piro D’Amico-Inguanez, KM (Hon&Dev.), Baron of Budaq, President of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility describes the following titles as dormant, or in abeyance:-

 

1. Marquis of San Vincente en Castilla (De Piro), described as a title originally “granted by Philip V, King of Spain on 6^thNovember 1742” in favour of Gio Pio De Piro (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son’s son Vincenzo De Piro (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s second son Giuseppe (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Adriano (4^th), in turn by nomination by the latter’s youngest brother Francesco Saverio (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Adelina (7^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. For more detailed genealogy.

 

1. Marquis of Taflia (Alessi), described as a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 13^thNovember 1790”, in favour of Saverio Alessi (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Vincenzo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s brother’s eldest son Saverio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Bernardo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Frederick Sedley Alessi (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Ethel Maude wife of James Williamson Wearing (6^th), on whose death in 1953 the title is described as having passed into abeyance. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. For more detailed genealogy.

 

1. Marquis Testaferrata Olivier (Testaferrata Olivier), described as a title originally “granted by Victor Amadeus, King of Sicily and Duke of Savoy on 13^th July 1717” in favour of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis and recognized by Grand Master Pinto in 1745” in favour of Mario’s grandson Pandolfo (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe Enrico Testaferrata Olivier (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Men’ Andrea (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Gio. Paolo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Louis (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Henri (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Jean Paul (7^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Bahria (Moscati Falsone Navarra), described as a title originally “granted by Grand Master Pinto de Fonseca on 16^th May 1743”, in favour of Ignazio Moscati Falsoni Navarra (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter Maria Teresa wife of Count Antonio Stagno (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Raimondo Palermo Navarra (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francesco (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Gio Francesco Consoli Palermo Navarra (8^th), on whose death in 1979 the title is described as having passed into abeyance. 

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “Two titles of Maltese nobility which are attached to estates raised to the dignity of feudal tenure are inheritable by whosoever inherits the estate, even if this be a stranger in blood. These titles are the …..and the “Count of Bahria” (the latter title is at present in abeyance).” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Ghajn Tuffieha (Teuma Castelletti), described as a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 7^th January 1792”, in favour of Ferdinando Teuma Castelletti (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Francesco (4^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Saverino (5^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Senia (Fontani), described as a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 6^th June 1795”, in favour of Vincenzo Fontani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Luigi Fontani (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Vincenzo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s daughter Rosalea Clinquant wife of Carlo Messina (4^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son’s son Roger (5^th), on whose death after the end of the second world war the title is described as having passed into abeyance. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

7. Baron of Buqana (Murina), described as a title originally “granted by Frederick III (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta on 4^th November 1377”, in favour of Guglielmo Murina (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his unnamed daughter wife of Manfredo di Castelli (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Paola wife of Francesco Gatto (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd), on whose death in 1981 the title together with that of Djar il-Bnietand that of Castel Cicciano is described as having become dormant. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Castel Cicciano (Mego), described as a title originally “granted by Philip I, King of Sicily and Naples (Philip II of Spain) on 23^rd May 1560” in favour of Francesco Mego (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Francesco Scerri (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gregorio (4^th), in turn with Royal assent by the latter’s kinsman and son in law Asciano Surdo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Madalena wife of Giacinto Cassia (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s older son Gio. Antonio (7^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Pietro (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Beatrice wife of Paolo Testaferrata (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Fabrizio (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Clara Testaferrata wife of Michele Sceberras (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (14^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alexander (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (16^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (17^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (18^th), on whose death in 1981 the title together with that of Buqana and that of Djar il-Bniet is described as having become dormant. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Baron of Djar-il-Bniet (Gatto), described as a title originally “granted by Ludovic (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta on 4^th January 1350”, in favour of Cicco Gatto (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Lanza (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Francesco (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd), on whose death in 1981 the title together with that of Buqana and that of Castel Cicciano is described as having become dormant. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Tabria (Viani), described as a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on the 11^thDecember 1728”, in favour of Isidoro Viani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Batta (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest daughter Francesca (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s eldest son Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Gilberto (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (6^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s sister’s younger son Rosario Testaferrata Moroni Viani (7^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Mary Violet wife of Marquis John Scicluna (8^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s younger son Patrick Scicluna (9^th), on whose death in 1978 the title is described as having passed into abeyance.

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “In this family we note that the 6^th Baron of Tabria, Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani nominated as his heir his younger nephew Rosario Testaferrata Moroni Viani rather than his elder nephew Salvatore. Hence the title descended through a junior line of the family. The 7^th Baron had a daughter Violet who succeeded him in the Barony. She married Marquis John Scicluna (Papal title). The family thus had two titles one of which, the Barony of Tabria, was disposable by nomination. The elder son Joseph became 4^th Marquis Scicluna whilst the younger son Patrick became the 9^th Baron of Tabria. Since the (8^th) Baroness Violet Scicluna died before her husband, Patrick succeeded to a title of nobility before his elder brother Joseph, who succeeded to the title of Marquis upon the death of his father. The 9^th Baron of Tabria died before he could nominate his successor and as a result of this the title is now in abeyance.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

In the same book (__) , Gauci describes the following titles as extant as at 1981 and names the following persons as having succeeded the titles:-

 

1. Marquis Cassar Desain (Cassar Desain), described as being held by Anthony Cassar Desain as the 11^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Victor Amadeus, King of Sicily and Duke of Savoy on 13^thJuly 1717” in favour of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis and recognized by Grand Master Pinto in 1749” in favour of Mario’s younger son Gilberto Testaferrata Castelletti (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Mario Testaferrata Castelletti (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s third son Filippo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Lorenzo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Filippo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Richard (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Lorenzo (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Philip (8^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Richard (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son James (10^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Anthony (11^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Fiddien (Caruana Dingli), described as being held by Salvatore Caruana Dingli as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 15^th October 1785” in favour of Salvatore Mallia Tabone (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio Mallia Tabone (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Salvatore (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giovanni (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by Salvatore junior’s second son’s eldest son Salvatore (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Nicola (7^th) in turn succeeded by Giovanni’s youngest sister’s younger son the aforesaid Salvatore (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Ghajn Qajjed (Formosa Gauci), described as being held by Victor Formosa Gauci as the 5^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 4^th June 1796 “in favour of Gerolamo Delicata (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Gaetano (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest sister’s eldest daughter’s son Luigi Manduca Gauci (4^th), in turn by Giuseppe’s youngest sister’s youngest daughter’s son’s eldest son, the aforesaid Victor (5^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Gnien is-Sultan (Apap Bologna), described as being held by John Appa Bologna as the 6^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 1^st December 1792” in favour of Filippo Apap (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Filippo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Felicissimo (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Paolo (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son’s son, the aforesaid John (6^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of St. George (Cremona Barbaro), described as being held by Beatrice Crispo Barbaro wife of J.J. Cremona as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 6^th September 1778” in favour of Carlo Antonio Barbaro (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gioacchino (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Francesco (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gustavo (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son George (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Henry (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Anthony (7^th), in turn succeeded by his daughter the aforesaid Beatrice (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri (Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq), described as being held by Alfio Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Philip V of Spain, King of Sicily and Naples on 10^th November 1716” in favour of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Enrico (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Daniele (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gregorio (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Emmanuele (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (7^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest son, the aforesaid Alfio (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

7. Count of Beberrua (Deguara Caruana Gatto), described as being held by Maria Teresa Apap Bologna Caruana Gatto wife of Joseph Deguara as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 23^rd October 1783” in favour of Luigi Maria Gatto (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Nicola (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Antonio Caruana Gatto (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Alfredo (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest brother Federico (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s elder brother Roberto (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister Maria wife of Nicodemo Gandolfo (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest sister’s daughter, the aforesaid Maria Teresa (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Catena (Hornyold Strickland), described as being held by Thomas Henry Hornyold Strickland as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca on 20^th January 1745” in favour of Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati Bologna (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Nicola (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest daughter Johanna (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger sister Maria wife of Paolo Sceberras (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Nicola (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister’s daughter’s son Gerald Strickland (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter’s son, the aforesaid Thomas Henry (7^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “Two titles of Maltese nobility which are attached to estates raised to the dignity of feudal tenure are inheritable by whosoever inherits the estate, even if this be a stranger n blood. These titles are the “Count of Catena” and …..” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

9. Count Ciantar Paleologo (Chapelle Paleologo), described as being held by John Constantine Chapelle Paleologo as the 10^thholder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Pope Clement XI on 8^th November 1711” in favour of Ignazio Francesco Wizzini Paleologo (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter Maria wife of Count Gio Antonio Ciantar (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Giorgio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giorgio Serafino (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Giuseppe (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Giovanni Chapelle Paleologo (I) (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (II) (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (III) (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid John Constantine (10^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Fournier (Sant Fournier), described as being held by Alfred Sant Fournier as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Maria Teresa, Empress of Austria in her Kingdom and Provinces of Italy on the 29^th January 1770” in favour of Giorgio Fournier (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Lazzaro (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Luigia (3^rd) wife of Baldassare Sant, in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Lazzaro Sant Fournier (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alfred (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son (a twin) Edward (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alfred (I) (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Alfred (II) (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Mont’ Alto (Manduca Azopardi Piscopo Macedonia), described as being held by Francis Manduca Azopardi as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Francis I Farnese, Duke of Parma on the 8^thJuly 1720” in favour of Bernardo Piscopo Macedonia (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter’s son’s eldest son Felice Manduca Azopardi (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Salvatore (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s elder son Vincenzo (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s eldest son Salvatore (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s son Francesco (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Bernardo (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s son, the aforesaid Francis(8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Count Preziosi (Preziosi), described as being held by Franz Preziosi as the 9^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Victor Amadeus, King of Sicily and Duke of Savoy on the 19^th October 1718” in favour of Giuseppe Preziosi, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco Preziosi (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francesco (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Vittorio Amadeo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Roberto (6^th), in turn succeeded by Vittorio Amadeo’s younger brother’s son Alfredo (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Luigi (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Franz (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Sant (Sant Cassia), described as being held by Francis Sant Cassia as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria in her Kingdom and Provinces of Italy on 22^ndDecember 1770” in favour of Salvatore Baldassare Sant, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco Sant (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gio Francesco (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francis (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (7^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Benwarrad (Kitson Attard Montalto), described as being held by Maria Angela Attard Montalto wife of Frank Gordon Kitson as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Ramon Despuig on 18^th August 1737” in favour of Saverio Gatto, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his eldest daughter Paola wife of Emmanuele Moscati Gatto (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Antonia (3^rd), in turn succeeded by Saverio’s younger daughter’s son Paolo Montalto de Ribera (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Maria Antonia Montalto wife of Giuseppe Attard (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Angiolino (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter the aforesaid Maria Angela (8^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “Looking at this family’s genealogical tree we note that the (3^rd) Baroness Antonia Moscati Gatto contracted a second marriage with Sir Gius. Maria De Piro KCMG the 4^th Baron of Budaq. There thus occurred the union of two titles both of which could be disposed of by nomination. Since no children were produced by this marriage (or by the Baroness’s first marriage) both titles were disposed of by nomination to collateral branches. The Baroness of Benwarrad nominated her younger cousin Paolo Montalto de Ribera to succeed her as 4^th baron. This gentleman had already been nominated to succeed to the Barony of San Paolino (not recognized in Malta) by his father the 5^th Baron. Thus the younger line of the Montalto family succeeded to the Baronies, the more senior line (viz. Paolo’s elder brother) having been excluded.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Budaq (De Piro D’Amico Inguanez), described as being held by Jerome De Piro D’Amico Inguanez as the 8^thholder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar on 23^rd April 1716” in favour of Gio Pio De Piro, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son’s son Vincenzo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Antonio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe Maria (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Francesca De Piro (5^th), in turn succeeded by Vincenzo’s younger son’s second son’s eldest son Giuseppe (6^th) after a private nomination by Francesca in favour of Salvatore Grech Delicata was annulled, in turn succeeded by nomination by Giuseppe’s younger brother’s son Igino (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Jerome De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (8^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “Vincenzo De Piro 2^nd Baron of Budaq and 2^nd Marquis of Castilla nominated his eldest son Antonio to succeed him in the Barony and his younger son Giuseppe to succeed to the Marquisate. The Marquisate could not really be disposed of by nomination but the original grantee’s descendants could inherit the title by paying the dues to the Spanish Crown: if therefore the elder brother relinquished his obligation to pay these dues, his younger brother (who inherited the wealthy ‘Gourgion’ estates) could become the next Marquis by so doing. The 4^th Baron of Budaq married the (3^rd) Baroness of Benwarrad, a marriage not blessed by issue. The Baron thus nominated his sister to succeed him and this lady (being single) in her turn nominated a very distant relative Mgr. Salvatore Grech Delicata to succeed her. However this nomination was overruled by the decision of H.M. Court of Appeal in 1885 and awarded a more proximate relative viz. Giuseppe De Piro holder of the very wealthy primogenitura De Piro. This gentleman thus became the 6^th Baron of Budaq. Being unmarried he nominated his nephew Igino De Piro to succeed him. The Barony of Budaq has therefore descended along the more senior lines of the De Piro family and the Marquisate of Castilla has gone to the more junior line. Due to prolonged litigation in both the Maltese and the Spanish Courts the latter title is now in abeyance.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Buleben (Manduca Azopardi Piscopo Macedonia), described as being held by Francis Manduca Azopardi as the 9^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 23^rd July 1777” in favour of Gaetano Azopardi, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Calcedonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Vincenzo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Calcedonio (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Vincenzo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger brother Filippo (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest sister Giuseppina (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister’s youngest son Joseph (8^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (9^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “I must also comment here upon the title of “Baron of Buleben”. This title is inheritable by the MALE heirs of the first titolato who should be nominated to succeed to the primogenitura Azopardi. Thus this title is IN EFFECT disposable by nomination. Angiolina Azopardi, sister of the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th title-holders, married Francesco Manduca Piscopo Macedonia, 6^th Count of Mont’ Alto whilst their younger son Joseph, who was nominated to succeed to the primogenitura Azopardi, succeeded to the Barony of Buleben. His son, Francesco, the present Baron, succeeded to the title of Count of Mont’ Alto upon the death sine prole of his uncle Bernardo, the 7^th Count.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Ghariexem and Tabia (Sant Cassia), described as being held by Francis Sant Cassia as the 12^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar on 16^th April 1638” in favour of Giacinto Cassia, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Pietro (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger daughter Domenica wife of Stanislao Xara (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pietro Xara (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Stanislao (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s daughter Chiara Bonici Platamone Cassia wife of Count Gio Francesco Sant (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gio Francesco (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francis (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (12^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Gomerino (Testaferrata Abela), described as being held by Adriana Testaferrata Abela as the 10^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Rocaful on 24^th December 1710” jointly in favour of Paolo Testaferrata (1^st) and his wife Beatrice Cassia (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by their son Fabrizio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Ercole by act of nomination of 24-6-1744 (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Paolo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (5^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s younger son Francesco (6^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s youngest brother Augusto (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Ugo (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pietro (9^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister the aforesaid Adriana (10^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “This title is perhaps unique in that it was jointly granted to two people viz Paolo Testaferrata and Beatrice Cassia, in her own right Baroness of Castel Cicciano. The son of these two titolati Fabrizio Testaferrata had an only son Pietr’ Antonio who died before his father leaving a daughter Pulcra who died while still a child. Fabrizio was thus succeeded in the Barony of Castel Cicciano by his eldest daughter Clara, wife of Michele Sceberras: but to keep the family name alive, Fabrizio nominated his youngr brother Ercole to succeed to the Barony of Gomerino. Ercole Martino was married to Veneranda Abela and this accounts for the Barony of Gomerino coming into the possession of  the Testaferrata Abela family. The fifth Baron of Gomerino instead of nominating his eldest son to succeed nominated his second son Francesco who thus became the 6^th Baron. This gentleman being without issue nominated his youngest brother Augusto to succeed him as 7^th Baron, bypassing his next brother Ettore. Due to these various nominations, the more senior lines of the Testaferrata Abela family did not succeed to the title which descended along the junior line.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Baron of Grua (Borg Carbott), described as being held by William Borg Carbott as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 30^th December 1794” in favour of Saverio Carbott Testaferrata Ghaxaq (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Saverio (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Giovanna wife of Giuseppe Delicata (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Nicola Maria (5^th), in turn succeeded by Giuseppe’s daughter’s daughter’s eldest son Paolo Borg Carbott (6^th), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Francesco (7^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son the aforesaid William (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Baron of Qlejjgha (Testaferrata Bonici), described as being held by Lino Testaferrata Bonici as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Ramon Despuig on 2^nd June 1737” in favour of Ignazio Bonici (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Ignazio (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Vincenza wife of Pietro Paolo Galea Feriol (4^th), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Emanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (7^th), in turn by nomination by the latter’s youngest son the aforesaid Lino (8^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “As seen  above the (4^th) Baroness of Qlejjgha was childless and had therefore to dispose of her title by nominating a relative. She nominated her nephew, the 6^th Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri to succeed her as 5^th Baron of Qlejjgha. This nobleman also inherited the very wealthy primogenitura Ghaxaq adding this surname to his own of Testaferrata Bonici. The 7^thMarquis and 6^th Baron Daniele Testaferrata Bonici GHaxaq had two sons. The elder Alfio, succeeded to the more senior title of Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri and to the primogenitura Ghaxaq: the younger, Lino, was nominated to succeed in the Barony of Qlejjgha. This accounts for the fact that there are two brothers, both titles in their own right, but having different surnames; thus Alfio Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq is 8^th Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri (and still unmarried) and his brother Lino Testaferrata Bonici is 7^th Baorn of Qlejjgha.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Baron of San Giovanni (Chapelle), described as being held by Francis Chapelle as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Martino de Redin, Viceroy of Sicily in the name of Philip IV of Spain, King of Sicily on 20^th August 1657”, in favour of Vincenzo Abela (1^st) and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Domenico (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister Angelica wife of Costanzo de Noto (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Vincenza wife of Gio Domenico Formosa (4^th), in turn by Vincenzo’s youngest daughter’s son Raffaele Portelli Abela (5^th), following whom the title was revived by Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies in favour of Serafino Ciantar (1^st) a kinsman of Vincenzo Abela, and was succeeded in turn by his son Serafino (2^nd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giorgio Serafino (3^rd), in turn, by nomination by the latter’s sister’s youngest son Alessandro (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Frans (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Joseph (6^th), in turn by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (7^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “This title was originally granted to Vincenzo Abela in 1657 with power of nomination. It went into abeyancew with the death of Vincenzo’s grandson Raffaele Portelli Abela in 1746. IN 1758 a descendant of Vincenzo’s sister Antonia, namely Generosa Vella Abela, married Count Ignazio Wizzini Paleologo. In 1777 her grandson Giorgio Serafino Ciantar Paleologo petitioned the King of the two Sicilies to have the title called out of abeyance in his favour. This request was granted, and the Count became also Baron of San Giovanni. Sir Giorgio Serafino KCMG, 5^th Count Ciantar Paleologo and 3^rd Baron of San Giovanni, grandson of the abovementioned Giorgio Serafino, was unmarried. He nominated his younger nephew Sir Alessandro Chapelle to succeed him in the Barony of San Giovanni, whilst the title of Count passed on to Sir Alessandro’s elder brother Giovanni Chapelle, since Giuseppe died sine prole. Giovanni added Paleologo to his surname of Chapelle on acquiring the title of Count Ciantar Paleologo. Thus accounts for the fact that there are two noble Chapelle families; one the senior, holding the title of Count Ciantar Paleologo, and the other holding the title of Baron of San Giovanni.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Baron of San Marciano (Trapani Galea Feriol), described as being held by Gino Trapani Galea Feriol as the 11^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena on 14^th June 1726” in favour of Diego Antonio Galea Feriol (1^st) and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Pietro Paolo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Lorenzo (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s son Giovanni (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Lorenzo (6^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Pietro Paolo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Calcedonio (8^th), in turn by nomination by the latter’s daughter Emilia wife of Salvatore Trapani (9^th), in turn by the latter’s son Nicolino (10^th) and in turn by the latter’s son the aforesaid Gino (11^th).

This title is described further in Appendix II (Maltese Titles Disposable by Nomination) as follows (all sic.):- “Pietro Paolo Galea Feriol, 7^th Baron of San Marciano married Vincenza Bonici (4^th) Baroness of Qlejjgha. Here we see the union of two titles disposable by nomination. The 7^th Baron of San Marciano nominated his brother to succeed him as 8^thBaron. This nobleman however did not nominate his elder child, a male, to succeed him; instead, he nominated his younger child, a female, Emilia, who became the (9^th) Baroness. Thus the Barony passed through the more junior line of the Galea-Feriol family and broke away from direct male descent.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

 

B) Published “Changes” and “Successions” 1983-1986

 

In July 1982, Charles A Gauci was appointed Honorary (Overseas) Secretary of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility  . 

 

Writing in 1986, the same Charles A. Gauci in his book “A Guide to the Maltese Nobility”, PEG Publications, Malta, 1986) (__), with a foreword by The Most Noble Francis Sant Cassia, Baron of Ghariescem and Tabia, President of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility  describes the very same titles as follows:-

 

1. De Piro, described as being held by Nicholas John Thomas Anthony De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “Baroncino of Budaq; Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 8^th holderwho is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 6^th November 1742 by Philip V, King of Spain in his territory of Castile” in favour of Giovanni Pio De Piro (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son’s son Vincenzo De Piro (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s first son Antonio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s son Francesco Saverio (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Adelina (6^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance and called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility, 1983, without prejudice to the rights of any other person who may acquire a more favourable decree from the King of Spain in favour of her kinsman Jerome Carmel de Piro D’Amico Inguanez (7^th) who on succeeding to the said title immediately renounced in favour of his only son the aforesaid Nicholas John Thomas Anthony De Piro (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Taflia, described as being held by Joseph Sammut Testaferrata Alessi (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire ”) as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 13^th November 1790 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc”, in favour of Saverio Alessi (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Vincenzo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s brother’s eldest son Saverio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Bernardo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Frederick Sedley Alessi (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Ethel Maud wife of James Williamson Wearing (6^th), on whose death in 1953 the title is described as having passed into abeyance and called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility, 1983, in favour of her kinsman the aforesaid Joseph Sammut Testaferrata Alessi (7^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Testaferrata Olivier, described as being held by Paul T. Olivier (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire“, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) in relation to Pandolpho Testaferrata de Noto (1^st) who was “recognized as a Marquis in his own right, 1745 by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca”, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe Enrico Testaferrata Olivier (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Men’ Andrea (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Gio. Paolo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Louis (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Henri (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Jean Paul (7^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance and called out of abeyance, 1983, in favour of his only son the aforesaid Paul T. Olivier (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Bahria, described as being held by Salvatore Consoli Palermo Navarra, as the 9^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 16^th May 1743 by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca”, in favour of Ignazio Moscati Falsoni Navarra (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter Maria Teresa wife of Count Antonio Stagno (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Raimondo Palermo Navarra (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francesco (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Gio Francesco Consoli Palermo Navarra (8^th), after whose death in 1978 the title is described as having been succeeded 1983 by the latter’s only son the aforesaid Salvatore Consoli Palermo Navarra. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Ghajn Tuffieha, described as a title (of Count) which at the time of going to print no successful claim thereto had been made originally “created 7^th January 1792 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc ”, in favour of Ferdinando Teuma Castelletti (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Francesco (4^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Saverino (5^th), on whose death the title is described as having passed into abeyance and remains unclaimed. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Senia, described as being held by Joseph A. Bugeja Fontani, as the 6^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 6^th June 1795 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc”, in favour of Vincenzo Fontani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Luigi Fontani (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Vincenzo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s daughter Rosalea Clinquant wife of Carlo Messina (4^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son’s son Roger (5^th), on whose death after the end of the second world war the title is described as having passed into abeyance and called out of abeyance, 1983, in favour of his kinsman the aforesaid Joseph A. Bugeja Fontani (6^th) For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Buqana, described as being held by Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “Premier noble of the Maltese islands, Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina” and “Baron of Djar il-Bniet”), as the 23^rd holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 4^thNovember 1372 by Frederick III (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta ”, in favour of Guglielmo Murina (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his unnamed daughter wife of Manfredo di Castelli (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Paola wife of Francesco Gatto whose husband was confirmed as t3rd Baron of Buqana 15^th April 1404 by King Martin I (House of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd), on whose death in 1981 the title together with that of Djar il-Bniet is described as having been succeeded 1983 by the latter’s kinsman the aforesaid Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (23^rd). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Castel Cicciano, described as being held by Carole Ann (Sceberras-) Trigona, as the 19^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 23^rd May 1560 by Philip I, King of Sicily and Naples (Philip II of Spain) on” in favour of Francesco Mego (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Francesco Scerri (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gregorio (4^th), in turn with Royal assent by the latter’s kinsman and son in law Asciano Surdo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Madalena wife of Giacinto Cassia (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s older son Gio. Antonio (7^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Pietro (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Beatrice wife of Paolo Testaferrata (9^th), in turn succeeded by deed of donation which received the Royal Assent of King Charles of Naples by the latter’s eldest son Fabrizio (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Clara Testaferrata wife of Michele Sceberras (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (14^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alexander (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (16^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (17^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (18^th), on whose death in 1981 the title is described as having been succeeded 1983 by the latter’s kinswoman the aforesaid Carole Ann (Sceberras-) Trigona (19^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Djar-il-Bniet, described as being held by Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “Premier noble of the Maltese islands, Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina ” and “Baron of Buqana”), as the 23^rd holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 4^thJanuary 1350 by Ludovic (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta”, in favour of Cicco Gatto (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Lanza (2^nd) confirmed in his barony by Frederick III, King of Sicily and Malta 12^thNovember 1372, in turn by the latter’s son Francesco (3^rd) confirmed in the barony by Martin I (House of Aragon), King of Sicily and Malta 14^th February 1397, in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd), on whose death in 1981 the title together with that of Buqana is described as having been succeeded 1983 by the latter’s kinsman the aforesaid Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (23^rd). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Tabria, described as being held by Lilianina Falzon Sant Manduca, as the 10^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 11^th December 1728 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc”, in favour of Isidoro Viani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Batta (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger daughter’s eldest son Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani after the older daughter Francesca declined the succession and nominated Giuseppe and after the younger daughter Anna renounced her rights in favour of the same Giuseppe (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s son Gilberto (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by deed of nomination by the latter’s sister’s younger son Rosario Testaferrata Moroni Viani (6^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Mary Violet wife of Marquis John Scicluna (7^th), in turn succeeded by deed of nomination by the latter’s younger son Patrick Scicluna (8^th), on whose death in 1978 the title is described as having passed into abeyance and called out of abeyance 1983, in favour of his elder brother Joseph (9^th) who on the 14^th January 1985 nominated his kinswoman the aforesaid Lilianina Falzon Sant Manduca (10^th) as his heir to the Barony and renounced the title in her favour, such renunciation and nomination “inter vivos” being ratified by the Committee of Privileges 25^th July 1985. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Cassar Desain, described as being held by Anthony Cassar Desain (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 11^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) in relation to Gilberto Testaferrata Castelletti (1^st) who was “recognized as a Marquis in his own right, 1749 by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca”, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Mario Testaferrata Castelletti (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s third son Filippo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Lorenzo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Filippo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Richard (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Lorenzo (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Philip (8^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Richard (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son James (10^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Anthony (11^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Fiddien, described as being held by John Laferla who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 15^th October 1785 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc extended to his first-born male descendants in perpetuity 15^th June 1793 by the same Grand Master” in favour of Salvatore Mallia Tabone (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio Mallia Tabone (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Salvatore (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giovanni (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by Salvatore junior’s second son’s eldest son Salvatore (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Nicola (7^th) in turn succeeded by Giovanni’s youngest sister’s younger son Salvatore Caruana Dingli (8^th), and in turn succeeded 1983 by his older brother’s younger daughter’s son the aforesaid John Laferla. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Ghajn Qajjed, described as being held by Victor Formosa Gauci (also noted as “Count of Santa Sofia”) as the 5^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 4^th June 1796 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc” in favour of Gerolamo Delicata (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Gaetano (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest sister’s eldest daughter’s son Luigi Manduca Gauci (4^th), in turn by Giuseppe’s youngest sister’s youngest daughter’s son’s eldest son, the aforesaid Victor (5^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Gnien is-Sultan, described as being held by John Apap Bologna (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire“ , Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 6^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 1^st December 1792 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc” in favour of Filippo Apap (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Filippo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Felicissimo (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Paolo (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son’s son, the aforesaid John (6^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. St. George, described as being held by Beatrice Crispo Barbaro wife of J.J. Cremona as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 6^th September 1778 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc” extended 2^nd January1779 and again 5^th June 1779 by the same Grand Master in favour of Carlo Antonio Barbaro (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gioacchino (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Francesco (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gustavo (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son George (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Henry (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Anthony (7^th), in turn succeeded by his daughter the aforesaid Beatrice (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. San Vincenzo Ferreri, described as being held by Alfio Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq (also noted as “Marquis Testaferrata, Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome, Messina and Citta’ del Castello”) as the 8^thholder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Marquis) originally “created 10^th November 1716 by Philip V of Spain, King of Sicily and Naples” in favour of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Enrico (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Daniele (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gregorio (4^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Emmanuele (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (7^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest son, the aforesaid Alfio (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Beberrua, described as being held by Maria Teresa Apap Bologna Caruana Gatto wife of Joseph Deguara as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 23^rd October 1783 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc” in favour of Luigi Maria Gatto (1^st) remainder confirmed to hi first born male descendants by H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies 11^th May 1883, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Nicola (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Antonio Caruana Gatto (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Alfredo (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest brother Federico (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s elder brother Roberto (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister Maria wife of Nicodemo Gandolfo (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s youngest sister’s daughter, the aforesaid Maria Teresa (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Catena, described as being held by Henry Charles Hornyold Strickland (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina ”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 20^th January 1745 by Grand Master Manoel Pinto de Fonseca” in favour of Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati Bologna (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Nicola (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest daughter Johanna (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger sister Maria wife of Paolo Sceberras (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Nicola (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister’s daughter’s son Gerald Strickland (6^th) by decision of H.M. Privy Council 6^th February 1882, in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter’s son Thomas Henry (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Henry Charles (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Ciantar Paleologo, described as being held by John Constantine Chapelle Paleologo (also noted as “Hereditary Patrician of Rome”) as the 10^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “created 8^th November 1711 by Pope Clement XI” in favour of Ignazio Francesco Wizzini Paleologo (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter Maria wife of Count Gio Antonio Ciantar (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Giorgio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giorgio Serafino (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Giuseppe (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Giovanni Chapelle Paleologo (I) (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (II) (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (III) (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid John Constantine (10^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Fournier, described as being held by Alfred Sant Fournier (also noted as “Baron de Pausier, Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “created 29^th January 1770 by Maria Teresa, Empress of Austria in her Kingdom and Provinces of Italy” in favour of Giorgio Fournier (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Lazzaro (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Luigia (3^rd) wife of Baldassare Sant, in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Lazzaro Sant Fournier (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alfred (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son (a twin) Edward (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alfred (I) (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Alfred (II) (a twin) (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Mont’ Alto, described as being held by Francis Manduca Piscopo Macedonia Azopardi (also noted as “Baron of Buleben”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 8^th July 1720 by Francis I, Duke of Parma” in favour of Bernardo Piscopo Macedonia (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by special grant promulgated by th Duke of Parma 17^th September 1724 by his daughter’s son’s eldest son Felice Manduca Azopardi (2^nd), in turn by virtue of a special grant promulgated by Ferdinand Duke of Parma 28^th December 1776 by the latter’s younger brother Salvatore (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s elder son Vincenzo (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s eldest son Salvatore (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s son Francesco (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Bernardo (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother’s son, the aforesaid Francis(8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Preziosi, described as being held by Franz Preziosi as the 9^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 19^th October 1718 by Victor Amadeus, King of Sicily and Duke of Savoy” in favour of Giuseppe Preziosi, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco Preziosi (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francesco (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Vittorio Amadeo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Roberto (6^th), in turn succeeded by Vittorio Amadeo’s younger brother’s son Alfredo (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Luigi (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Franz (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Sant, described as being held by John Sant Cassia (also noted as “Baroncino di Ghariexem et Tabia, Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Count) originally “created 22^nd December 1770 by Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria in her Kingdom and Provinces of Italy” in favour of Salvatore Baldassare Sant, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco Sant (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gio Francesco (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francis (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francis (7^th), who on the 19^th December 1984 renounced the title of Count Sant in favour of his only son, the aforesaid John (8^th), the renunciation was ratified by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility, March 1985. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Benwarrad, described as being held by Maria Angela Attard Montalto also noted as “Baroness of San Paolino”) wife of Frank Gordon Kitson as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 18^thAugust 1737 by Grand Master Ramon Despuig” in favour of Saverio Gatto, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his eldest daughter Paola wife of Emmanuele Moscati Gatto (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Antonia (3^rd), in turn succeeded by Saverio’s younger daughter’s son Paolo Montalto de Ribera (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Maria Antonia Montalto wife of Giuseppe Attard (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Angiolino (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter the aforesaid Maria Angela (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Budaq, described as being held by Jerome De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina (__)” and “7^th Marquis De Piro”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 23^rd April 1716by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Rocaful” in favour of Gio Pio De Piro, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son’s son Vincenzo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Antonio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe Maria (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Francesca De Piro (5^th), in turn succeeded by decision of H.M. Court of Appeal, 1885) by Vincenzo’s younger son’s second son’s eldest son Giuseppe (6^th) after a private nomination by Francesca in favour of Salvatore Grech Delicata was annulled, in turn succeeded by nomination by Giuseppe’s younger brother’s son Igino (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Jerome (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.  

 

1. Buleben, described as being held by Francis Manduca Azopardi (also noted as “Count of Mont’ Alto) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 23^rd July 1777 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc; remainder to his male descendants, holders of the Azopardi primogenitura, confirmed by H.M. Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1883) in favour of Gaetano Azopardi, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Calcedonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Vincenzo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Calcedonio (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Vincenzo (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger brother Filippo (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest sister’s youngest son Joseph (7^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Ghariexem and Tabia, described as being held by Francis Sant Cassia (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina” and “7^th Count Sant”) as the 12^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 16^th April 1638 by Grand Master Jean Paul Lascaris de Castellar” in favour of Giacinto Cassia “confirmed as Baron of Ghariexem and Tabia”, and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Pietro (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger daughter Domenica wife of Stanislao Xara (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pietro Xara (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Stanislao (6^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s daughter Chiara Bonici Platamone Cassia wife of Count Gio Francesco Sant (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Luigi (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gio Francesco (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giovanni (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francis (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (12^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Gomerino described as being held by Adriana Testaferrata Abela as the 10^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 24^th December 1710 by Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Rocaful” jointly in favour of Paolo Testaferrata (1^st) and his wife Beatrice Cassia (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by their son Fabrizio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Ercole by act of nomination of 24-6-1744 (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Paolo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (5^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s younger son Francesco (6^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s youngest brother Augusto (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Ugo (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pietro (9^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister the aforesaid Adriana (10^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Grua, described as being held by Peter Borg Carbott (also noted as “Hereditary Patrician of Messina as the 9^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 30^th December 1794 by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc” in favour of Saverio Carbott Testaferrata Ghaxaq (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Saverio (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Giovanna wife of Giuseppe Delicata (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Nicola Maria (5^th), in turn succeeded by Giuseppe’s daughter’s daughter’s eldest son Paolo Borg Carbott (6^th), in turn by the latter’s younger brother Francesco (7^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son William (8^th), in turn by the latter’s son’s son the aforesaid Peter (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Qlejja, described as being held by Agnes Testaferrata Bonici (also noted as “Marchesina di San Vincenzo Ferreri”) as the 8^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title (of Baron) originally “created 2^nd June 1737 by Grand Master Ramon Despuig” in favour of Ignazio Bonici (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Ignazio (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Vincenza wife of Pietro Paolo Galea Feriol (4^th), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Emanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Daniele (7^th), in turn by deed of nomination by the latter’s youngest son Lino (8^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter the aforesaid Agnes (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. San Giovanni, described as being held by Francis Chapelle (also noted as “Hereditary Patrician of Rome”) as the 7^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “created 20^th August 1657 by Martino de Redin, Viceroy of Sicily in the name of Philip IV of Spain, King of Sicily”, in favour of Vincenzo Abela (1^st) and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Domenico (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister Angelica wife of Costanzo de Noto (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Vincenza wife of Gio Domenico Formosa (4^th), in turn by Vincenzo’s youngest daughter’s son Raffaele Portelli Abela (5^th), following whom the title became extinct and was revived 16^th July 1777 by Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies in favour of Giorgio-Serafino Ciantar (1^st) a kinsman of Vincenzo Abela, and was succeeded in turn by his son Serafino (2^nd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giorgio Serafino (3^rd), in turn, by nomination by the latter’s sister’s youngest son Alessandro (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Franz (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Joseph (6^th), in turn by the latter’s son the aforesaid Francis (7^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. San Marciano, described as being held by Gino Trapani Galea Feriol (also noted as “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire, Patrician of Rome and Messina”) as the 10^th holder who is described as having succeeded a title originally “granted by Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena on 14^th June 1726” in favour of Diego Antonio Galea Feriol (1^st) and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Pietro Paolo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Lorenzo (3^rd), in turn by the latter’s son Giovanni (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Lorenzo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (6^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Calcedonio (7^th), in turn by deed of nomination 12^th July 1908 by the latter’s daughter Emilia wife of Salvatore Trapani (8^th), in turn by the latter’s son Nicolino (9^th) and in turn by the latter’s son the aforesaid Gino (10^th). 

 

C) Published “Changes” and “Successions” 1981 -1992

 

Writing in 1992, the same Charles A. Gauci in his new book “The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta Volume Two”, PEG Publications, Malta, 1992) (__) with a foreword by The Most Noble Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez, Baron of Djar il-Bniet and Buqana, Premier Noble of Malta and Gozo and President of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility, describes the very same titles as follows:-

 

1. Marquis De Piro (De Piro D’Amico Inguanez), described (page 25-29) as a title being held by Nicholas John De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “Baroncino of Budaq”) as the 8^th holder and originally “granted by Philip V, King of Spain on 6^th November 1742” in favour of Gio Pio De Piro (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son’s son Vincenzo De Piro (2^nd) with his death the title went into de jure abeyance and was formally suppressed by a royal edict of the Spanish Crown 12-9-1826, but described as having been succeeded by the latter’s elder son Antonio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the later restored by the Spanish Crown 9-1-1878 in favour of the latter’s brother’s youngest son Francesco Saverio (4^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Adelina (6^th) who was recognized by the Spanish Crown 28-6-1913, after whose death in 1962 the title passed into abeyance and was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of Jerome De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (7^th) who immediately upon succeeding renounced in favour of his only son Nicholas John De Piro D’Amico Inguanez (8^th). This renunciation and nomination were ratified by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility. However (page 361-365) says: “The right of Anthony Buttigieg de Piro to the rank and style of Hereditary Marquis in the kingdom of Spain was proclaimed by official decree of the Ministry of Justice of that Kingdom, 28^th October 1987.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Taflia (Sammut Testaferrata Alessi), described (page 38-45) as a title being held by Joseph Sammut Testaferrat Alessi as the 7^th holder and originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 13^th November 1790”, in favour of Saverio Alessi (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Vincenzo (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s brother’s eldest son Saverio (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Bernardo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Frederick Sedley Alessi (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Ethel Maude wife of James Williamson Wearing (6^th), who died in 1953. The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 14^th December 1978 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Joseph Sammut Testaferrata Alessi. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis Testaferrata Olivier (Testaferrata Olivier), described (page 34-37) as a title being held by Paul T. Olivier as the 8^thholder and originally “granted by Victor Amadeus, King of Sicily and Duke of Savoy on 13^th July 1717” in favour of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis. This title was never registered in Malta, however Grand Master Pinto addressed the grantee’s grandson, Pandolfo Testaferrata de Noto as Marquis 1745. The Royal Commission (sic) therefore regarded the title as having been created in 1745 and awarded precedence based on that date” in favour of Mario’s grandson Pandolfo (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Giuseppe Enrico Testaferrata Olivier (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s eldest son Men’ Andrea (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Gio. Paolo (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Louis (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Henri (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Jean Paul (7^th),. The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 7^th February 1968 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Paul T. Olivier (8^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Bahria (Consoli Palermo Navarra), described (page 30-33) as a title being held by Salvatore Consoli Palermo Navarra as the 9^th holder and originally “granted by Grand Master Pinto de Fonseca on 16^th May 1743”, in favour of Ignazio Moscati Falsoni Navarra (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his daughter Maria Teresa wife of Count Antonio Stagno (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Raimondo Palermo Navarra (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Francesco (7^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Gio Francesco Consoli Palermo Navarra (8^th). , The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 14^th December 1878 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Salvatore Consoli Palermo Navarra (9^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Ghajn Tuffieha (McCutcheon Teuma Castelletti), described (page 46-49) as a title being held by Mary Frances Teuma Castelletti wife of Donald Robert McCutcheon as the 6^th holder and originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 7^th January 1792”, in favour of Ferdinando Teuma Castelletti (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Francesco (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Pietro Paolo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Francesco (4^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Saverino (5^th),. The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 21^st June 1965 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 5^thOctober 1989 in favour of the aforesaid Mary Frances Teuma Castelletti (6^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Senia (Bugeja Fontani), described (page 50-53) as a title being held by Joseph A. Bugeja Fontani as the 6^th holder and originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on 6^th June 1795”, in favour of Vincenzo Fontani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Luigi Fontani (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Vincenzo (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s daughter Rosalea Crinquant wife of Carlo Messina (4^th), in turn by the latter’s eldest son’s son Roger (5^th),. The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 1945 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Joseph A. Bugeja Fontani (6^th) For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Buqana (Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez), described (page 10, page 2-9) as a title being held by Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “23^rd Baron of Djar il-Bniet”) as the 23^rd holder and originally “granted by Frederick III (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta on 4^th November 1372”, in favour of Guglielmo Murina (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his unnamed daughter wife of Manfredo di Castelli (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s daughter Paola wife of Francesco Gatto (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd),. The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 12^th January 1981 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (23^rd) For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Castel Cicciano (Trigona), described (page 11-15) as a title being held by Carole Ann Sceberras Trigona as the 19^th holder and originally “granted by Philip I, King of Sicily and Naples (Philip II of Spain) on 23^rd May 1560” in favour of Francesco Mego (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Antonio (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s sister’s son Francesco Scerri (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Gregorio (4^th), in turn with Royal assent by the latter’s kinsman and son in law Asciano Surdo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Madalena wife of Giacinto Cassia (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s older son Gio. Antonio (7^th), in turn by the latter’s brother Pietro (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Beatrice wife of Paolo Testaferrata (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Fabrizio (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Clara Testaferrata wife of Michele Sceberras (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Pasquale (14^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Alexander (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (16^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (17^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (18^th) The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 12^th January 1981 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 16^th August 1984 in favour of the aforesaid Carole Ann Sceberras Trigona (19^th). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Baron of Djar-il-Bniet (Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez), described (page 2, page 3-10) as a title being held by Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (also noted as “23^rd Baron of Djar il-Bniet”) as the 23^rd holder and originally “granted by Ludovic (of Aragon) King of Sicily and Malta on 4^th January 1350”, in favour of Cicco Gatto (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Lanza (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s son Francesco (3^rd), in turn succeeded by the latter’s daughter Imperia wife of Antonio Inguanez (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Angeraldo (5^th), in turn by the latter’s son Antonio (6^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Giacomo (7^th), in turn by the latter’s son Marco Angarao (8^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s eldest son Giacomo Angarao (9^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Antonio Angeraldo (10^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s younger son Marco (11^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s brother Alessandro (12^th) in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (13^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Marc’ Antonio (14^th) in turn succeeded by Alessandro’s daughter’s daughter’s son’s eldest son Gio Francesco D’Amico Inguanez (15^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Claudio (16^th), in turn succeeded by Gio Francesco’s younger brother Alessandro (17^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s son Vincenzo (18^th), in turn succeeded by his eldest sister Maria Teresa D’Amico (19^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son’s eldest daughter Maria Francesca Sceberras wife of Alexander Chalmers Mc Kean (20^th), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister’s son Alexander Chesney (21^st), in turn succeeded by the latter’s sister Frances Chesney (22^nd) The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 12^th January 1981 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of the aforesaid Carmelo Apap Bologna Sceberras D’Amico Inguanez (23^rd). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Tabria (Bugeja Viani), described (page 19-24) as a title being held by Lilianina Falzon Sant Manduca wife of John Bugeja) as the 10^th holder), and originally “granted by Grand Master Emanuel de Rohan Polduc on the 11^th December 1728”, in favour of Isidoro Viani (1^st), and described in turn as having been succeeded by his son Gio Batta (2^nd), in turn by the latter’s youngest daughter’s son Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani (3^rd) after the eldest daughter declined the succession and nominated on 30^th July 1784 her nephew to succeed in her stead, in turn by the latter’s son Gilberto (4^th), in turn by the latter’s son Giuseppe (5^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s sister’s younger son Rosario Testaferrata Moroni Viani (6^th), in turn by the latter’s daughter Mary Violet wife of Marquis John Scicluna (7^th), in turn succeeded by nomination by the latter’s younger son Patrick Scicluna (8^th) ) The title is described as having fallen into abeyance 1978 and it was called out of abeyance by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility 29^th September 1983 in favour of Joseph Scicluna (9^th) and on the 14^th January 1985 the latter nominated his kinswoman the aforesaid Lilianina Bugeja Viani (10^th) as his heir and subsequently renounced in her favour and this renunciation and nomination inter vivos was ratified by the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese Nobility on 25^th July 1985. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Marquis Cassar Desain (pages xxxi, 376, 301, 217 and 218refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

 

1. Marquis of Fiddien (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Ghajn Qajjed (pages xxxi, 411 and 280 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of Gnien is-Sultan (page xxxi, 257 and 320 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of St. George (page xxxi, and 417 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). However (page 375-381) says: “The title of “Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri” in the Kingdom of Naples was granted by Philip V, King of Spain as King of Naples, on 10^th November 1716. The title was never registered in Malta but Testaferrata was directly recognized as Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri by the reigning Grandmaster Manoel de Vilhena on 9^th July 1725. Close study of the date of creation of (the title of San Vincenzo Ferreri) reveals that the King of Spain had no legal right whatsoever to grant any titles in Naples in 1716! By the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht on 11^th April 1713, Spain had ceded Naples to the Empire and Sicily to Savoy; the Empire’s hold on Naples was further confirmed by the Treaty of Rastatt and Baden in 1714. Thus the lawful sovereign and fons honorum of Naples in 1716 was Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor; the emperor remained King of Naples until 1735 when the Empire lost Naples to the Spanish Bourbons. Under International Law, the title of ‘Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri’ is invalid; it cannot be regarded as a Neapolitan title as the King who granted it was not King of Naples and it cannot be regarded as a Spanish title since it was granted “..in dicto Regno Neapolis…”. This fact was highlighted by the Consulta Araldica of Italy on 28^th May 1901 in judgement no. 2408 given in the name of the King of Italy. Emmanuele Testaferrata 6^th Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri and 6^th Marquis Testaferrata had approached the Italian Court for official recognition as the holder of a Neapolitan title; by the above mentioned ruling, the Italian Crown disassociated itself from the title since at the date of creation “….il Napolitano non era piu’ nel dominio del Re di Spagna”. Despite the above, however, Grand Master de Vilhena, Soveriegn Prince of Malta, recognized Testaferrata as ‘Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri’. This local recognition enabled the Royal Commissioners to recommend that recognition also be extended by the British Crown  (sic.), thus the title of ‘Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri’ became part of the present day Maltese Nobility. From a legal point of view it must be regarded as a purely Maltese title created by direct Magistral fiat in 1725. It therefore follows that it is not subject to Italian or Spanish law but only to Maltese law, which allows females to inherit in the absence of males.”. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Beberrua (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Catena (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Ciantar Paleologo (pages xxxi, 105 and 349 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Fournier (pages xxxi and 291refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count of Mont’ Alto (pages xxxi and 305 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Preziosi (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Count Sant (pages xxxi and 291 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Benwarrad (pages xxxi and 443 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Budaq (pages xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications) However (page 301) says: “On 5^th December 1807, in a lengthy judgement, the Courts of Malta upheld the primogenial and fedecommessary rights due to Vincenzo de Piro and his descendants as members of the de Piro family.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Buleben (pages xxxi and 305 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Ghariexem and Tabia (pages xxxi and 291 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Gomerino (pages xxxi and 385 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). However (page 382, 447) says: “Baron Salvatore Testaferrata Moroni Viani is the head of the primogenial male line of the ‘Gomerino’ branch of the Testaferrata family.” For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below.

1. Baron of Grua (pages xxxi and 280 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of Qlejjgha ((pages xxxi and 265 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of San Giovanni (pages xxxi and 349 refer to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

1. Baron of San Marciano (page xxxi refers to the 1981 and 1986 Publications). However (page 287) says: “Mario Galea Testaferrata is the eldest male in the extant primogenial line of the Galea Feriol family…..”. For more information on this title see the “SOURCES AND REFERENCES” section below. 

 

 

 

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

 

Publications and other materials:

 

1. Montalto, John “The Nobles of Malta 1530-1800” (Mid-Sea Books Ltd, Malta, 1980) (__)
2. Gauci, Charles A. “The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta”, Gulf Publications, Malta, 1981) (__)
3. Gauci, Charles A. “A Guide to the Maltese Nobility”, PEG Publications, Malta, 1986) (__)
4. Gauci, Charles A. “The Genealogy and Heraldry of the Noble Families of Malta Volume Two”, PEG Publications, Malta, 1992), (__)
5.  Dingli-Attard, Marcel “The family of Inguanez” (Interprint Malta), 1979  
6.  CESARE VASSALLO’S “CATALOGO DEI CODICI E DEI MANUSCRITTI INEDITI CHE SI CONSERVANO NELLA PUBBLICA BIBLIOTECA DI MALTA ” (1856) 
7. ANTHONY LUTTRELL’S “GIROLAMO MANDUCA AND GIAN FRANCESCO ABELA: TRADITION AND INVENTION IN MALTESE HISTORIOGRAPHY”, Melita Historica (1977) 
8. “THE NOBLES OF MALTA, AND THE MALTESE GENTRY HOLDING FOREIGN TITLES AS AT PRESENT EXISTING BY Geo. G.C.’A. Crispo Barbaro Marquis of St. George” Malta:- A.D. MDCCCLXX 
9. SHORT SKETCH OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY, BY M.C.D. (1876) 
10. ROYAL COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT AND SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT, AND CONCLUSIONS OF SECRETARY OF STATE (1878) 
11. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE (1883) 
12. CORRESPONDENCE PRESENTED TO HOUSE OF LORDS (1886) 
13. Two Extracts from the Book: ‘A RIDE IN EGYPT’ (By W. J. LOFTIE, M.A., F.S.A., AUTHOR OF ‘IN AND OUT OF LONDON,’ ‘A PLEA FOR ART IN THE HOUSE,’ &c., &c., London and New York: MACMILLAN AND CO. 1886.) 
14. W. COPE DEVEREUX’S UNHAPPY DESCRIPTION OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY IN 1884
15. THE MALTESE NOBILITY AS REPORTED TO THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT, INCLUDING MANY ERSTWHILE UNREPORTED FACTS
16. VALUE OF THE MALTESE USAGE OF dei Marchesi, dei Conti AND dei Baroni
17. VALUE OF THE MALTESE USAGE OF “MARCHESINO”, “CONTINO” AND “BARONCINO” 
18. MALTESE NOBILITY ENTRY IN “MALTA AND GIBRALTAR ILLUSTRATED 1915 
19. OTHER 19th CENTURY NOBILIARY BODIES IN MALTA 
20. STATUS OF THE COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY SINCE MALTA BECAME A REPUBLIC 
21. Notice of Appointment describing Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani as “Marchese” and Baldassare Sant as “Conte” 
22. George Cassar Desain Appellant; v. James Cassar Desain Viani and Others Respondents. in the Privy Council, London 1947 Oct. 14. 
23. Riccardo Cassar Desain Appellant; v.Pietro Testaferrata Moroni Viani Respondent. in the Privy Council, London 1925 Jan. 20. 
24. Letter by Joseph Sammut Testaferrata Alessi, 1982 
25. Department of Information, Malta 20.02.98(__)

 

General Tables:

1. TABLE OF GRANTS, AMENDMENTS AND INVESTITURES OF TITLES OF NOBILITY BY THE GRANDMASTERS OF THE ORDER OF SAINT JOHN, AS SOVEREIGNS OF MALTA (1530-1798), INCLUDING TITLES AND DIGNITIES RECEIVED FROM FOREIGN SOVEREIGNS DURING THE SAME PERIOD
2. Noble fiefs originating in Malta before (i.e. before 1530) the rule of the Grand Masters of the Order of Saint John (including references to relative grants and acts of succession)
3. Non-Maltese Nobiliary which were registered during the reign (1530-1798) of the Grand Masters who ruled Malta (including references to relative grants and acts of succession) 
4. Nobiliary titles granted (1530-1798) by the Grand Masters who ruled Malta (including references to relative grants and acts of succession) 
5. TABULAR VIEW OF PUBLISHED INCONSISTENCIES RELATING TO THE ORIGIN OF NOBILIARY TITLES CONNECTED TO MALTA (TITLES ORIGINATING PRE-1798 ONLY) 

 

General Papers:

 

1. ORIGINS OF THE ANTIQUITY OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 
2. OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 
3. REFERENCE VALUE OF 19TH CENTURY REPORTS ON THE MALTESE NOBILITY 
4. THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 
5. DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT TITLES 
6. VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 
7. HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TITLES DISPOSABLE BY NOMINATION 
8. MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 
9. THE BATTLE FOR REPRESENTATION BETWEEN THE ‘ASSEMBLY OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY’ AND THE ‘COMMITTEE OF PRIVILEGES OF THE MALTESE NOBILITY’ (The old Maltese Nobility versus the new)
10. MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 
11. THE QUIET USURPATION OF THE TITLES  “Illustrissimo” AND “Nobile”, LATER “The Most Noble”. 

 

 

Particular Papers and Genealogical Tables:

 

(A) TITLES AND FIEFS ORIGINATING IN MALTA (1530-1798) WHICH ARE EXAMINED BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT (__)PUBLISHED IN 1878:-

 

1. Title of Barone (Testaferrata and Testaferrata Cassia (joint)) di Gomerino (cr: 1710)

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  (__)

 

1. Title of Barone (Depiro) di Budaq (cr: 1716)
2. Tite of Barone (Castelletti) della Marsa (cr: 1725)
3. Title of Barone (Galea Feriolo) di San Marciano (cr: 1726)
4. Title of Barone (Viani) della Tabria (cr: 1728)
5. Title of Barone (Bonnici) della Qlejja (cr: 1737)
6. Title of Barone (Gatt) di Benwarred (cr: 1737)
7. Title of Conte (Muscati Falsone Navarra) della Bahria (cr: 1743)
8.  Title of Conte (Perdicomati Bologna) della Catena (cr: 1746)
9. Title of Barone (Dorell Falzon) della Marsa (cr: 1776)
10. Title of Barone (Azzopardi) di Buleben (cr: 1777)
11. Title of Marchese (Barbaro) di San Giorgio (cr: 1778)
12. Title of Conte (Gatt) della Beberrua (cr: 1783)
13. Title of Marchese (Mallia Tabone) del Fiddien (cr: 1785)
14. Title of Marchese (Alessi) della Taflia (cr. 1790)
15. Title of Conte (Teuma Castelletti) di  Ghajn Tuffieha (cr: 1792)
16. Title of Marchese (Apap) di Gnien is-Sultan (cr: 1792)
17. Title of Barone (Carbott Testaferrata) della  Grua (cr: 1794)
18. Title of Conte (Fontani) della Senia (cr: 1795)
19. Title of Marchese (Delicata) di Ghajn Qajjet (cr: 1796)
20. Fief of Djar il-Bniet et Bucana (Cr: 1350)
21. Fief of  Ghariexem e Tabia (cr: 1638)

 

(B) TITLES AND FIEFS ORIGINATING IN MALTA (1530-1798) WHICH ARE NOT EXAMINED BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT (__)PUBLISHED IN 1878 (N.B. List may be incomplete):-

 

1. Titles of “Most Illustrious” and “Noble” (originates from 1725)(1) Milite Barone Marc’ Antonio Inguanez (See Djar il-Bniet) and his wife Baronessa Inguanez (See Gomerino)(30 April 1725); (2)Barone di Cicciano Fabritio Testaferrata (See:Castel Cicciano) and his mother the Baronessa di Gomerino Beatrice Cassia Testaferrata  (See Gomerino), (11 May 1725), (3) Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri Mario Testaferrata (See: San Vincenzo Ferreri) (9 July 1725), (4) Carlo Falson (See Falson), and Eleanora Testaferrata (See: Capo di Ferro) (13 June 1726), (5) Barone di San Marciano Diego Galea Feriolo (See: San Marciano), (2 September 1726), (6) Barone Gio Pio De Piro (See De Piro) (19 March 1727), (7) Canon Giuseppe di Costanzo (See Paganica), and Donna Rosa (See De Noto),widow of Gio Battista di Costanzo (24 May 1729), (8) Barone Isidoro Viani (See: Tabria), (27 June 1730), (9) D. Vincenzo Platamone (See Platamone),and Antonio Bonnici (date unknown), (10) Baldassare Bonnici (13 January 1732), (11) Calcerano Mompalao (See: Mompalao)), Giuseppe and Caterina Cuschieri (See: Frigenuini) (6 March 1732), (12) Barone Saverio Gatt (See: Benwarrad) (23 August 1737), (13) Signor Ludovico Bianchi (See: Bianchi) (25 October 1741), (14) Dr. Ugolino Bonnici (5 September 1794), (15) Dr. Saverio Crispo (See:Crispo) (date unknown).

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY

SEE ALSO THE QUIET USURPATION OF THE TITLES  “Illustrissimo” AND “Nobile”, LATER “The Most Noble”. 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1.  Title of Barone (Mompalao) di Frigenuini (cr: 1737)

SEE ALSO The titles of Barone di Frigenuini

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Testaferrata Oliver) (cr: 1745)

SEE ALSO The unmaking and remaking of the Marchese Cassar Desain. 

 

SEE ALSO The title of Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri. 

SEE ALSO The title of Marchese Testaferrata. 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Cassar Desain) (cr: 1749)

SEE ALSO The unmaking and remaking of the Marchese Cassar Desain.

 

SEE ALSO The title of Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri. 

SEE ALSO The title of Marchese Testaferrata. 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (Azzopardi Castelletti) della Marsa (1753)

SEE ALSO The titles of Barone della Marsa. 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Barone (Pisani) di  Frigenuini (cr: 1773)

SEE ALSO The titles of Barone di Frigenuini 

SEE ALSO Adeodata Pisani 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Moscati) di Xrobb il-Ghajin (cr: 1776)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (Gauci) (cr: 1781)

SEE ALSO The title of Barone granted to Francesco Gauci.

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Mompalao) della Taflia (cr: 1783)

SEE ALSO The titles of Marchese della Taflia. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (Calleja) di San Cosimo (cr: 1792)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Conte (Barbaro) dei  Santi (cr: 1793)

SEE ALSO The title of Conte dei Santi. 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Conte (Marchesi) di Meimun (cr: 1794)

SEE ALSO The title of Conte di Meimum.  

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Fief of Ghariexem e Tabia (cr: 1316)
2. Fief of Djar il-Bniet, Buqana, e Hemsijia (cr:1316)
3. Fief of Gomerino (cr: 1317)
4. Fief of Gomerino (cr: 1318)
5. Fief of Gomerino (cr: 1320)
6. Fief of Fontana (cr: 1347)
7. Fief of Baccuni (cr: 1347)
8. Fief of Djar il-Bniet (Cr: 1350)
9. Fief of Ghajn Rihani (Cr: 1360)
10. Fief of Ginelfare, Misulup and Saqqajja. (cr: 1361)
11. Fief of Ghajncayd, Ayntofen, Benwarrad (cr: 1361)
12. Fief of Viridarium Magnum, Cabelville, Jardino di lo Re e Lachese (cr: 1361)
13. Fief of Dechandum e Fief of Ghajn Tuffieha (cr: 1361)
14. Fief of San Cosimo (cr: 1364)
15. Fief of San Cosimo (cr: 1369)
16. Fief of Petra Longa (cr: 1371)
17. Fief of  Buqana (cr:1372)
18. Fief of Chabelville (cr: 1372)
19. Fief of Grua (cr: 1372)
20. Fief of Musebi (cr: 1372)
21. Fief of Duemes, Chalkia e Chamira (cr: 1372)
22. Fief of Ghajn Astasi (cr: 1372)
23. Fief of Ghariexem e Tabia (cr: 1372)
24. Fief of Bucelli (cr: 1372)
25. Fief of La Zacuni (cr: 1372)
26. Fief of Sintina, Bajjada, Cabesulla, Mechalcadetria e Rifutu (cr: 1372)
27. Fief (Pace) (cr: 1372)
28. Fief of Nigret (cr: 1372)
29. Fief of Antulinu e Galca (cr: 1372)
30. Fief (d’Oso) (cr: 1373)
31. Fief (La Vagna “sives Lavagna”) (Cr: 1373)
32. Fief (Mundellus) (cr: 1373 e 1374)
33. Fief of il Scardo e Scajscach (cr: 1374)
34. Fief of Frigenuini (cr: 1375)
35. Fief of Barberi (Cr: 1375)
36. Fief of Buqana e Djar il-Bniet (cr: 1376)
37. Fief of Buqana (cr: 1397)
38. Fief of Budaq e Hemsija (cr: 1398)
39. Fief of Ghariexem e Tabia (cr: 1398)
40. Fief of Budaq (cr: 1398)
41. Fief (Bandino) (cr 1398)
42. Fief (Bellera) (cr: 1398)
43. Fief of Benwarrad (cr: 1398)
44. Fief of Calfudi e San Marciano (cr: 1398)
45. Fief (Calafato) (cr: 1398)
46. Fief of Barberi e Mejmuni (cr: 1398)
47. Fief (Girbinus) (cr: 1398)
48. Fief of Gomerino e Fief of Mayaliel (cr: 1398)
49. Fief of La Lhalca di Ghajn Tuffieha (cr: 1399)
50. Fief of Jurihaudo (cr: 1399)
51. Fief (Franco) (cr: 1399)
52. Fief (Vaccaro) (cr: 1399)
53. Fief (Bandino) (cr: 1400)
54. Fief of Qlejja (cr: 1400)
55. Fief (de la Barba) (cr: 1402)
56. Fief of Maccalibim (Cr: 1402)
57. Fief of Tabria (cr: 1407)
58. Fief of Bungemi, Davaracia, Benwarred and Burmarrad (cr: 1408)
59. Fief of Rayava e Salamuni (cr: 1408)
60. Fief of Tabria (cr: 1408)
61. Fief of Budaq (cr: 1408)
62. Fief of Petra Longa (cr: 1408)
63. Fief (Vaccaro) (cr: 1409)
64. Fief (Caxaro) (cr: 1409)
65. Fief (de la Barba) (cr: 1413)
66. Fief (Navarro) (cr: 1413)
67. Fief (Tarsia) (cr: 1413)
68. Fief (Lemmo) (cr: 1416)
69. Fief of Ghariexem e Tabia (cr: 1416)
70. Fief of Petra Longa (cr: 1417)
71. Fief of Marsa (cr: 1430)
72. Fief of Petra Longa (cr: 1432)
73. Fief of Djar il-Bniet e Buqana (cr: 1432)
74. Fief of La Guardia (cr: 1437)
75. Fief of Quattara, e Gnen il-Firen (cr: 1439)
76. Fief of Santcu Maria Magdalena (cr: 1439)
77. Fief of Ghajn Tuffieha (cr: 1440)
78. Fief of Hemsija (cr: 1441)
79. Fief of Marsa (cr: 1441)
80. Fief of Saqqajja (cr: 1442)
81. Fief of Gnien il-Firen, Ghajn Tuffieha e Quattara  (cr: 1446)
82. Fief of San Giorgio e Mizieb ir-Rih (cr: 1447)
83. Fief of La Guardia (cr: 1448)
84. Fief (Perrera) (cr: 1448)
85. Fief of Marsa (cr: 1452)
86. Fief (Rapa) (1453)
87. Fief of Tabria (cr: 1453)
88. Fief of Buonochale, Beberrua e Buleben (cr: 1463)
89. Fief of Gnien il-Firen, Ghajn Tuffieha e Quattara (cr: 1465)
90. Fief of Marsa (cr: 1465)
91. Fief of San Martino (cr: 1466)
92. Fief of Maccalibum (cr: 1468)
93. Fief of Qlejja (cr: 1472)
94. Fief of Benwarrad (cr: 1475)
95. Fief of Gomerino (cr: 1481)
96. Fief (de Bordino) (cr: 1485)
97. Fief of La Guardia (cr: 1487)
98. Fief (Falsone) (cr: 1493)
99. Fief (Sanchetta) (cr” 1506)
100. Fief of Saqqajja e Frigenuini (cr: 1506 e 1513)
101. Fief of Tal Baccar (cr: 1508)
102. Fief of Milecha del Zoncol (cr: 1509)
103. Fief of Jardum Grandi (cr: 1510)
104. Fief of Petra Longa (cr: 1513)
105. Fief of Benwarrad (cr: 1514)
106. Fief (Mombron) (cr: 1514)
107. Fief of Fiddien (cr: 1516)
108. Fief (Sceberras) (cr: 1520)
109. Fief (Falsone) (cr: 1521)
110. Fief of Ghajn Qajjed (cr: 1531)
111. Fief of La Recona (cr: 1531)
112. Fief of Pietra Lunga (cr: 1553)
113. Fief (Falsone) (cr: 1561)
114. Fief (d’Avola) (cr: 1566)
115. Fief of Qlejja (Cr: 1569)
116. Fief of Budaq (cr: 1644)
117. Fief of Budaq (cr: 1646)

 

 (C) TITLES ORIGINATING OUTSIDE MALTA (1530-1798) WHICH ARE EXAMINED BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT (__)PUBLISHED IN 1878:-

 

1. Title of Patrician of Messina (Testaferrata (1553)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina.

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  (__)

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO DIFFERENT RULES FOR DIFFERENT TITLES 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Patrician of Rome (L. Abela, P. Abela, A. Abela, di Ferro, Surdo and Testaferrata, 1590)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire (Testaferrata de Robertis, 1637)

SEE ALSO The title of “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire”. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (de Ribera) di San Paolino (cr: 1638)

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Barone (Abela) di San Giovanni (cr: 1657)

SEE ALSO VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Patrician of Venice (Barbaro) (??), origins unknown)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Patrician of Messina (Muscati Falsone/Stagno (??), origins unknown)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Patrician of Rome (Testaferrata Asciack (??) Cassar Desain (??), origins unknown, 1674)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Conte di Cassandola (cr: 1685)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Barone di Castel Cicciano (cr: 1695)

SEE ALSO The title of Barone di Castel Cicciano. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY

SEE ALSO VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 

SEE ALSO HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TITLES DISPOSABLE BY NOMINATION 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire (Balsano, 1698)

SEE ALSO The title of “Hereditary Knight of the Holy Roman Empire”. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA (__)

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1.  Title of Conte (Wzzini Paleologo) cr: 1722)

SEE ALSO The title of Conte enjoyed by the family Wzzini Paleologo 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Testaferrata) di San Vincenzo Ferreri (1716)

SEE ALSO The title of Marquis of San Vincenzo Ferreri. 

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (Testaferrata) (cr: 1717)

SEE ALSO The title of Marchese Testaferrata. 

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family  

SEE ALSO VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 

SEE ALSO Notice of Appointment describing Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani as “Marchese” and Baldassare Sant as “Conte“

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Conte (Preziosi) (cr: 1718)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Conte (Piscopo) di Mont’Alto (cr: 1720)

SEE ALSO The titles of Conte di Mont’ Alto – (Count of Mont’ Alto and Count Manduca) 

SEE ALSO The Counts Manduca 1776. 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Marchese (de Piro) (cr: 1742)

SEE ALSO The title of Marquis de Piro. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Patrician of Rome (Wzzini/Ciantar?? (1744)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (Fournier de Pausier) (cr: 1768)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Title of Conte (Fournier de Pausier) (cr: 1770)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Conte (Sant) (cr: 1770)

SEE ALSO  Marchese George-Gustavo Carl’ Antonio Crispo-Barbaro’s Opinion on the Remainder of the title of “Conte Sant“, as published in Malta in 1870 

SEE ALSO Notice of Appointment describing Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani as “Marchese” and Baldassare Sant as “Conte” 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Barone (Ciantar)di San Giovanni (cr: 1777)

SEE ALSO VALUE OF PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS 

SEE ALSO HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TITLES DISPOSABLE BY NOMINATION 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Conte (Manduca) (cr: 1776)

SEE ALSO The titles of Conte di Mont’ Alto – (Count of Mont’ Alto and Count Manduca) 

SEE ALSO The Counts Manduca 1776. 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Patrician of Messina (Testaferrata (1792)

SEE ALSO The titles of Patrician of Messina. 

SEE ALSO Key to the Testaferrata family 

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Title of Knight of the Order of King Charles III of Spain (origins unknown). 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

 

(D) TITLES ORIGINATING OUTSIDE MALTA (1530-1798) WHICH ARE NOT EXAMINED BY THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT (__)PUBLISHED IN 1878 (N.B. List may be incomplete):-

 

1. Barons of Ortigos (cr: ante 1457)

SEE ALSO The title of Baron of  Djar il-Bniet et Buqana. 

SEE ALSO CESARE VASSALLO’S “CATALOGO DEI CODICI E DEI MANUSCRITTI INEDITI CHE SI CONSERVANO NELLA PUBBLICA BIBLIOTECA DI MALTA ” (1856) 

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY 

SEE ALSO Baron Antonio Inguanez (__)

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Barons of Bavuso (cr: 1296)

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Counts of the Byzantine Empire (cr: 1320, 1349, 1380, 1405)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Barons von Brockdorff (cr: 1432)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Principe de Mystra, (cr: 1436)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Principe de Selimbria (cr: 1443)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Counts Vassallo Paleologo (cr: 1455)

SEE ALSO De Vassallo. (__)

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO Vassallo History (__)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Principe de Sayd (cr: 1492)

SEE ALSO The French Execution of Maltese rebels 1799.

SEE ALSO Principi Sayd Chapel, Santi.  

SEE ALSO Palazzo Sayd

SEE ALSO 10 Generations of descent for Charles Said-Vassallo.

SEE ALSO Female descent. (An interesting perspective) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Viscontes de Sayd (cr: 1509)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Barons di Montagna di Marzo (cr: 1522)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Barons di Bibino Magno (cr: 1544)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Prince of Wallachia (cr: 1552)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Principe di Bibino Magno (cr: 1599)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Count Magri (cr: 1650)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Count Magro (cr: 1730)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Counts Ciantar (cr: 1739, 1745, 1747, 1761).

SEE ALSO OLD AND NOTABLE FAMILIES DESCRIBED BY G.F. ABELA IN 1647 (The original Maltese Nobility) 

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Counts de Santa Sofia (cr: 17..)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Count Fenech Bonnici (cr: 1748)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Count Gatt (cr: 1751)

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA 

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century)

 

1. Duca di Paganica (cr: 1753)

SEE ALSO CESARE VASSALLO’S “CATALOGO DEI CODICI E DEI MANUSCRITTI INEDITI CHE SI CONSERVANO NELLA PUBBLICA BIBLIOTECA DI MALTA ” (1856)

SEE ALSO MALTA’S HISTORIC UNTITLED NOBILITY

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

 

1. Counts von Zimmermann (cr: 1790)

SEE ALSO Title of Marchese (Barbaro) di San Giorgio .

SEE ALSO The titles of Marchesi di San Giorgio (“Marquises St. George”).

SEE ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL AND FACTUAL BASES FOR TITLES OF NOBILITY IN MALTA

SEE ALSO different rules for different titles 

SEE ALSO MALTESE RULES OF PRECEDENCE AMONGST THE NOBILITY (Description of the system of precedence amongst the Maltese Nobility, as established in the 18th Century) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE SEE:-

Said Vassallo, C.M.,Charles Said-Vassallo’s Research site and Maltese Nobility web site http://www.maltagenealogy.com and related links