"Libro d'Oro di Melita"

"Counts of Catena or delli Mori"

(including explanation of reasons for dismissal of Marchese Felicissimo Apap Bologna’s claim and approval of Gerald (later Lord) Strickland’s following death of Sir Nicola Sceberras Bologna)

 

All Corrections/Additions are Welcome

 

1. Giovannetto Perdicomati of Rhodes Island, arrived with the Knight in 1530, married 1576 to Leonora Cagliola, the illegitimate daughter of Fra. Agostino Cagliola, Knight of St John of Malta, and Maddalena Zammit., with issue.
1.1. Lucrezia Perdicomati, married 1613 to Giuseppe Giansolem detto Baron.
1.2. Francesco Perdicomati, married 1635 to Vincenza Bologna. (Press Here-For Ancestry), with issue.
1.2.1. Leonara Perdicomati Bologna, married 1637 to Gio Antonio de Lorenzo.
1.2.2. Pietro Perdicomati Bologna, -See Below.
1.3. Giovanni Perdicomati, married Leonora Zammit, with issue.
1.3.1. Agostina Perdicomati, married 1679 to Pietro Ciambanin.

 

* Pietro Perdicomati Bologna, married 1662 to Eugenia Mangion, with issue

1. Martino Perdicomati-Bologna, married 1692 to Anna Marie Muscat, with issue
1.1. Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati-Bologna, 1st Count of Catena-See Below.
1.2. Anna Marie Perdicomati-Bologna, married 1687 to Dr. Calcerano Mompalao, (Note: See Frigenuini for First Marriage issues) with issue
1.2.1. Gio Batta Mompalao, Marquis of Taflia, (Cr: 1783), dunm 1787.
1.2.2. Claudia Antonia Mompalao,(died 1768) married Ferdinando Castelletti, Baron di Marsa, and dsp. (See Marsa)

 

* Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati Bologna, 1st Count of Catena, (Cr:1745), married 1717 to Giovanna Fortunata Testaferrata dei Baroni di Gomerino, with issue
 

1. Nicolo Perdicomati Bologna, 2nd Count-See Below.
2. Vincenza Perdicomati Bologna, married 1752 to Paolo Testaferrata Abela, 3rd Baron di Gomerino -See Gomerino.

 

Footnote: Unlike the great majority of titles conferred by the Grand Masters, the title of Conte delle Catene, or delli Mori conferred by Grand Master Pinto, by a patent of the 20th January 1745, upon Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati Bologna was specifically conferred so as to further enhance a property already held in entail by the grantee. This title was granted on the 20th January 1745, upon Pietro Gaetano Perdicomati Bologna and his sons, born and to be born, as well as on his heirs and successors, whether relations or strangers.

The entail referred to in the relative grant was the agnatial entail founded by Don Alessandro Perdicomati Bologna with a faculty to nominate amongst the male descendants.  The following is an extract from the deed of grant:- "Te supradictum Dominum Petrum Cajetanum Perdicomati Bologna tuosque filios jam natos vel nascituros, haeredes et successores primogenitos et etiam extraneos, Comitem et Comites Territorii seu Tenutae delle Catene hodie vero delli Mori appellati, positi in hac Nostra Insula a te et antecesoribus possessi jure pleni dominii et proprietatis, nec non Primogenitura masculinae ordinatae per bon mem canonicum Don Alessandro Perdicomati Bologna.....in feudum nobilem sub titulo comitis erigimus atque extollimus.". The entail is described in the footnote below was subject of court litigation.

It is to be especially remarked that the terms of ennoblement extend to Perdicomati's sons, as well as on his heirs and successors, whether relations or strangers and that this title follows the tenure of the territory known as Catene. That is to say, unlike other titles which provide for a remainder in favour of descendants of the relative grantee, succession to this title is to be reckoned according to the possessor of the land who must be a male. This effectively means that the title may be succeeded to by strangers in blood of Pietro Gaetano Perdicomato Bologna. Moreover, the Report observes that the remainder of the above extract favours not only the one of the grantee's descendants, but the grantees sons (born and to be born) heirs, AND successors (tuosque filios jam natos vel nascituros, haeredes et successores primogenitos et etiam extraneos), meaning that grant may allow to a plurality of claims being founded on the grant dated 1745. This view appears to be reinforced by the grant's use of the term comitem et comites. See:- Correspondence and Report of the Commission appointed to enquire into the claims and grievances of the Maltese Nobility, May 1878, presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of Her Majesty (C.-2033.) (Paras. 35-36). On the other hand, the entail referred to above was an indivisible primogenitura and that ulterior succession was to be limited according to a primogenitura favouring males. Therefore although the grant envisages the possibility of a plurality of sons of the grantee, the remainder is effectively restricted only by reason of the indivisible nature of the entail restricted in favour of males.

It appears that Pietro Gaetano had only one son, apart from a daughter married to the barone Paolo Testaferrata.

 

 

* Nicolo Perdicomati Bologna, 2nd Count of Catena,
married 1745 to Maria Teresa Grech, with issue.

1. Johanna Perdicomati Bologna, 3rd (?) Countess-See Below.
2. Maria Angelica Perdicomati Bologna 4th (?) Countess-See Below.
 

* Johanna Perdicomati Bologna, (3^rd?) Countess of Catena,
married 1783 to Pietro Paolo Bonici Platamone, and dsp

 

Footnote: As indicated above, the entail provides for an agnatial succession. It is therefore unclear why publications list the said lady Johanna as the 3^rd Contessa .It is interesting that a later succession bypassed a daughter in favour of the grandson (succession of Thomas Hornyold after Lord Strickland). In any case, the enumeration attributed to Johanna is not consonant with the decision of the Pricy Council described below.

 

* Maria Angelica Perdicomati Bologna, (4^th?) Countess of Catena, married 1791 to Paolo Sceberras dei Baroni di Castel Cicciano, with issue.

 

1. Sir Nicola Sceberras Bologna KCMG (died 1875), 5th (recte 3rd Conte) -See Below.
2. Maria Teresa Sceberras Bologna , married 1830 to Chev. P.P. Bonici Mompalao with issue.
2.1. Luisa Bonici Mompalao (c 1833-1907), married 1858 to Cmdr Walter Strickland, with issue.
2.1.1. Sir Gerald Strickland GCMG (c 1861-1940) 6th (recte 4th Conte)-See Below.
2.1.2. Rev. Joseph Strickland, Chaplain to the Forces, 12th Brigade 4th Division (1864-1917)
2.1.3. Charles Strickland Bologna (c 1867-1918), married Ella Naudi, with issue.
2.1.3.1. Roger Strickland Bologna MP, (Died 1975), married and Melita Amato, and dsp.
2.1.3.2. Gerald Strickland Bologna, (1913-92), married Matilde Falco Tylar, (1917-92), with issue.
2.1.3.2.1. Capt. Adrian Strickland Bologna, Former Ambassador to the Netherlands, Maltese Heraldry Specialist, (1940-, married Jacqueline Micallef, with issue.
2.1.3.2.1.1. Lara Strickland Bologna, (1969-, married 1993 to Julian Bugeja Viani dei Baroni di Tabria, with issue. (See Cassar Desain)
2.1.3.2.1.2. Gerald Strickland Bologna, (1971-, married 2003 to Rebecca Fenech, with issue.
2.1.3.2.1.2.1. George Strickland Bologna, (2004-.

2.1.3.2.1.2.2. Tomas Strickland Bologna, (2006-.

2.1.3.2.1.2.3. Emma Strickland Bologna, (2008-.
2.1.3.2.1.3. Ella Strickland Bologna, (1972-, married to Avra Avramovic, with issue
2.1.3.2.1.3.1. Nikola Avramovic, (2002-
2.1.3.2.1.3.2. Luka Avramovic, (2002-

2.1.3.2.1.3.3. Mila Avramovic, (2008-.
2.1.3.2.2. Jarrard Strickland, (1942-, married 1967 to Anne Cox, with issue
2.1.3.2.2.1. Rebecca Strickland, (1968-
2.1.3.2.2.2. Antonia Strickland, (1969-
2.1.3.2.3. Roger Strickland Bologna, (1946-, married 1975 to Maria Miceli
2.1.3.2.3.1. Roger A. Strickland Bologna, (1976-, married 2002 to Paula Zammit, with issue.
2.1.3.2.3.1.1. Laura Strickland Bologna, (2003-

2.1.3.2.3.1.2. Nicholas Strickland Bologna, (2005-.

2.1.3.2.3.1.3. Antonia Strickland Bologna, (2008-.

2.1.3.2.3.3. Andrew Strickland Bologna, (1978-, married 2006 to Justine Meli Bugeja dei Baroni di Tabria.(Web Site)
2.1.3.3. Kitty Strickland Bologna (died 1988), married George Jackson, with issue
2.1.3.4. Mary Strickland Bologna, (died 1986), married Giacchino di Rienzo, with issue
2.1.3.4.1. Paul di Rienzo.
2.1.3.5. George Strickland Bologna, (1908-57), married 1939 to Jocye Olding (died 1989), with issue.
2.1.3.5.1. Richard Strickland, (1940-, married 1968 to Jill Elliot, with issue.
2.1.3.5.1.1. Dominic Strickland, (1963-, married 1988 to Lindsay German, with issue.
2.1.3.5.1.1.1. Hector Strickland, (1991-.
2.1.3.5.1.1.2. Freddy Strickland, (1993-
2.1.3.5.1.1.3. Tarquin Strickland, (1998-
2.1.3.5.1.1.4. Florence Strickland, (1998-.

2.1.3.5.1.2. Candace Strickland, (1970-, married 1996 to Stefan Bugden, with issue.
2.1.3.5.1.2.1. Jacob Bugden, (1998-.
2.1.3.5.1.2.2. Alexander Bugden, (2001-.
2.1.3.5.1.3. Edward Strickland, (1971-, married 1999 to Elisabeth Parkin, with issue.
2.1.3.5.1.3.1. Henrietta Strickland, (2002-.
2.1.3.6. Teresa Strickland, (1903-55)."Awarded the Kings Medal in 1946"., married 1927 to Harris Dunscombe Colt., with issue.
2.1.3.6.1. Harris Strickland Holt, (d.2004)
2.1.4. Paul Strickland Bologna, LLD. (1862-
3. Aloisea Sceberras Bologna , married 1826 to Marchese Gilberto Testaferrata Viani, 5th Baron della Tabria -See Tabria for all descendants.

3.1 Marchese Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani, 6th Baron della Tabria

4. Maria Sceberras Bologna , married 1829 to Marchese Filippo Apap LLD, -See Gnien-is-Sultan for all descendants.

4.1 Marchese Felicissimo Apap (Claimant  see footnote below)
 

Footnote: As indicated above, the entail provides for an agnatial succession. It is therefore unclear why publications list the said lady Maria Angelica as the 4^th Contessa. It is interesting that a later succession bypassed a daughter in favour of the grandson (succession of Thomas Hornyold after Lord Strickland). In any case, the enumeration attributed to Maria Angelica is not consonant with the decision of the Pricy Council described below.

 

* Sir Nicola Sceberras Bologna KCMG (died 1875), 5th (recte: 3rd) Count of Catena,
married 1830 to Maria Antonia Montalto de Riberia, and dsp.

 

Footnote: Following Sir Nicola’s death a dispute arose between his nephew the Marchese Felicissimo Apap and his niece Luisa Strickland Bonici Mompalao in her name and on behalf of her son Gerardo (later Lord Strickland).  Sir Nicola died without availing himself of the faculty to nominate his successor in the entail. Marchese Apap claimed to the effect that as first born male in the collateral line and therefore closest to the last possessor, he was entitled to succeed, whereas Luisa claimed that her son was the primogenial male descendant of the original grantee. That is to say the Marchese was closest in degree whereas Gerardo was better in line. The matter was finally decided by a decision of the Privy Council (Ref: 8 A.C.106) which awarded succession to Gerardo by reason of him being in the primogenial line of the original grantee, the proximity of the Marchese to Sir Nicola being irrelevant for the purposes of calculating the terms of vocation. See also http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/catena.html

As the decision favoured Gerardo, Luisa cannot be enumerated as Countess. This is in accordance with the agnatial nature of the title and entail.

 

* Sir Gerald Strickland GCMG (c 1861-1940) 6th (recte: 4th) Count of Catena, Baron Strickland of Sizergh
married firstly 1890 to Lady Edeline Sackville-West, married secondly (Without issue) 1926 to Margaret Hulton DBE

1. (First marriage) Hon Mary Constance Strickland (c 1896-1970), married 1920 to Henry dei Marchese Hornyold Gandoldi-See Below.
1.1. Henry Hornyold Strickland, 7th (recte 5th Conte)--See Below.
1.2. Edeline Hornyold Strickland (c 1922-81), married Norman Coppock, with issue.
1.2.1 Michael Coppock (c 1949-, married 1975 to Susan Davies, with issue.
1.2.1.1. David Coppock (c 1978-
1.2.1.2. Andrew Coppock (c 1983-
1.2.1.3. Sarah Coppock (c 1976-
2. Hon Cecilia Strickland (c 1897-1982), married 1927 to Capt Edmund de Trafford (of the Baronets de Trafford), with issue.
2.1. Gerald de Trafford K.M. (c 1929-, married 1971 to Charlotte Hallo, with issue.
2.1.1. Jasper Peter de Trafford (c 1975-
2.1.2. Aloisea Cecilia de Trafford (c 1973-
2.2. Anthony de Trafford (c 1935-, married 1966 to Gabrielle Boome
2.3. Hubert de Trafford (c 1937-93), married Firstly 1966 to Christine Sydney Adams, secondly 1975 to Mary Willis, with issue.

2.3.1. (First marriage) Rachel de Trafford (c 1967-, married 1991 to Bengt Sjobert
2.3.1.1. Rebecca Sjobert (c 1993-

2.3.1.2. Matilda Emma Sjobert, (1995-.
2.3.2. Martha de Trafford (c 1969-
2.3.3. (Second marriage) John de Trafford (c 1976-
2.3.4. George de Trafford (c 1980-
2.3.5. Fleur Cecilia de Trafford (c 1978-
2.4. Margaret de Trafford (c 1928-97), married 1952 to Cdr William Faulkner, with issue.
2.4.1. Hugh Faulkner (c 1953-, married 1992 to Hon Sarah Wedderburn, with issue.
2.4.1.1. Lucy Faulkner (c1993-

2.4.1.2. Amy Faulkner, (1995-.
2.4.2. Mark Faulkner (c 1955-, married 1979 to Hon Deborah MacAndrew , with issue.
2.4.2.1. James Faulkner (c1983-
2.4.2.2. Alexander Faulkner (c1987-
2.4.2.3. Patrick Faulkner (c 1992-
2.4.3. Rosalind Faulkner (c 1959-, married 1986 Francis Willis, with issue.
2.4.3.1. Francis Willis (c 1989-
2.4.3.2. Robert Willis (c 1991-
2.4.3.3. Matthew Willis (c 1993-
2.4.4. Catherine Faulkner (c 1961-, married 1984 to Andrew Scott
2.4.4.1. Rory David Scott (c 1993-
2.4.4.2. Alice Scott (c 1989-

2.5. John de Trafford, (1941-43), d.inf.

2.6. Elizabeth de Trafford, (1932-., married Adm. Sir Arthur Turner KCB, DSC., with issue.

2.6.1. Francis Turner, (1966-., married 1992 to Rebecca Thompson., with issue.

2.6.1.1. Jack Francis Turner,. (1995-.

2.6.2.  Michael Turner, (1969-.

2.7. Mary de Trafford., (1934-83), married 1964 to Phillip James Gooding, with issue.

2.7.1. Edward Gooding, (1974-.

2.7.2. Louise Gooding, (1967-., married 1994 to Ryan Oliver., with issue.

2.7.2.1. Jack Francis Olivier., (1995-.

2.7.3. Elisabeth Gooding, (1969-., married 1995 to Richard Fenton., with issue.

2.7.3.1. Richard Harry Fenton., (1998-.

2.7.3.2. Russell James Fenton., (2000-.

3. Hon Mabel Strickland OBE (c 1899-1988), dunm.
4. Hon Dr Constance Strickland LMSSA (c 1912-79), dunm.
5. Hon Henrietta Strickland (c 1903-, married 1922 to Cmdr Robert Bower RN, (A descendant of King Henry VII of England), with issue.
5.1. Marianna Laetita Bower, married 1950 to Gilbert Monkton CB, OBE, MC, 2nd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley
5.1.1. Hon Christopher Monckton MA, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchly,  (c 1952-, married 1990 to Juliet Mary Jenson
5.1.2. Hon Timothy Monckton (c 1955-, married 1984 to Jennifer Carmody of Sydney Australia, with issue.
5.1.2.1. Dominic Monckton (c 1985-
5.1.2.2. James Monckton (c 1988-
5.1.2.3. William Monckton (c 1992-
5.1.3. Hon Jonathan Monckton (c 1955-, married Carinda Therese Beeson
5.1.4. Hon Anthony Monkton (c 1960-, married 1985 Philippa Wingsfield
5.1.4.1. Edward Monckton (c 1988-
5.1.4.2. Camilla Monckton (c 1989-
5.1.5. Hon Rosalind Monckton (Confident of HRH, Princess Diana of Wales), (c 1953-, married Hon Dominic Lawson (s/o of Lord Lawson), with issue.
5.1.5.1. Savannah Lawson (c 1992-
5.1.5.2. Domenica Lawson (c 1995-
5.2. Robert Paul Bower, (1924- , married (1) 1957, Div 1963 to Joan Mileham Litchfield, with issue
5.2.1. Christopher Robert Bower, (1959-
5.2.2. Victoria Bower, (1958-
5.3. Anne Ceillia Maud Bower, (1923-, married 30 th July 1949 to Capt Philip Edward Churton Vigors Doyne Ditmas K.O.S.B, eldest son of the late Major Harold Edward Churton Doyne Ditmas , Kempston , Beds and has issue
5.3.1. Philip Doyne Ditmas, (1952-
5.3.2. Michael Robert Doyne Ditmas ,(1954-
5.3.3. Caroline Anne Doyne Ditmas, (1950-
5.3.4. Annette Doyne-Ditmas, (1962-
5.4. Margaret Elizabeth Bower, (1926-
5.5. Elizabeth Mary Bower, (1933-
5.6. Veronica Bower, (1937-, married Cmdr. G. John F. Slocock, R.N
5.7. Mary Francis Bower, (1938-, married 1961 to Ian Douglas Cox, with issue
5.7.1. Jeremy Robert Cox, (1963-
5.7.2. Jonathan David Cox, (1967-
5.7.3. Margaret Cox, (1962-
5.7.4. Elizabeth Henrietta Cox, (1965-
5.8. Monica Bower, (1944-, married Lieut-Cdr. Count. Bernard Peter de Salis, R.N, (of the Counts de Salis) with issue
5.8.1. Count. Piers Robert de Salis, (1969-., married Stephany Biello ., with issue.

5.8.1.1. Count Maximillian James de Salis, (2004-.

5.8.2. Count. Hugo John de Salis, (1971-

 

Footnote: As indicated above, the entail provides for an agnatial succession. Thus Lord Strickland was succeeded by his primogenial grandson and not by his eldest daughter.

 

* Henry Hornyold Strickland (c 1921-83), 7th (recte: 5th) Count of Catena, married 1951 to Angela Englehart  (A descendant of King Charles II and King James II), with issue.

1. Henry Hornyold Strickland (c 1951-, , Acknowledged by the COP/LOM as the present Count of Catena., married 1979 to Claudine Poumirau, with issue
1.1. Hugo Hornyold Strickland (c 1979- , Contino della Catena.
1.2. Thomas Hornyold Strickland (c 1985-
2. Robert Hornyold Strickland (c 1954-, married 1983 (Div) to Teresa Fawcett, Married (2) 2000 (Div ?) to Jill Marion Bausch,  Married (3) 2007 to Miss DNR Livingstone of Bachuil, (daughter of Scottish Baron of Bachuil),  with issue.
2.1. (First Marriage) Francis Hornyold Strickland (c 1986-
2.2. Rollo Michael Hornyold Strickland (c 1988-
2.3. Zoe Clementina Hornyold Strickland (c 1991-
3. John Hornyold Strickland (c 1956- ., married 1996 to Jane Elizabeth Fothergill., with issue.
3.1. Katherine Hornyold Strickland, (1996-.
4. Edward Hornyold Strickland (c 1960- , married 1999 to Belinda Elizabeth Scarborough., with issue.

4.1. Cecilia Mary Hornyold Strickland., (1996-.
5. Clare Hornyold Strickland (c 1953-, married 1981 to Anthony Prince, dsp.
6. Alice Hornyold Strickland (c 1959-, married 1988 to Charles Loftie ., with issue.

6.1. William Thomas Loftie, (1991-.

6.2. Alexander Edward Loftie, (1996-.

6.3. Eleanor Loftie, (1992-.