Francisco de Paula Vieira da Silva de Tovar, 1st Viscount of Molelos

Who was Francisco de Paula Vieira da Silva de Tovar, 1st Viscount of Molelos?

Francisco de Paula Vieira da Silva de Tovar e Nápoles, 11th Lord of the Honour of Molelos, 1st Baron and 1st Viscount of Molelos was a Portuguese military officer and politician. He is best known for his role in the Portuguese invasion of the Banda Oriental, under the reign of king John VI, as well as for his active participation in Portugal's resistance against the invading troops of Napoleon and, towards the end of his life, for his support for the Absolutist or Liberal faction during the Portuguese Civil War, whose ranks he led as a General.

In 1862, exiled king Miguel I honoured him posthumously by creating his only surviving grandson, António Vieira de Tovar de Magalhães e Albuquerque, 1st Count of Molelos. This title, however, was never legally validated, and his only daughter died an infant.

The vicomital title was given continuity by the descendents of António's great-aunt Josefa Vieira da Silva de Tovar.