"Libro d'Oro di Melita"
"Title of Marchese Testaferrata conferred on
Mario Testaferrata in 1717"
All Corrections/Additions are Welcome
To see the ancestry of Mario Testaferrata de Robertis, go to
Capo di Ferro (Testaferrata).
* Mario Testaferrata de Robertis, (1654-1747), 1st
Marchese Testaferrata (Cr: 1717) , “Marquis of
San Vincenzo Ferreri”, (Cr: 1716 (?) (See: San Vincenzo Ferreri), “Most
Illustrious and Noble” (1725) , married Firstly 1677 to Anna de Noto
Cumbo, with issue, Married Secondly 1697 to Elisabetta Castelletti, with issue,
Married thirdly 1727 to Alticunda Vassallo Castelletti, with issue.
(Mario Testaferrata First Marriage)
1. Enrico Testaferrata de Noto, Married 1730 to Felicita Cassar Desain, with
issue.
1.1.Saveria Testaferrata.,
d.inf.
1.2.Gregorio Testaferrata., d.inf.
1.3. Daniele Testaferrata, -married 1781 to Maria Sant, with issue.
1.3.1. Gregorio Augusto Testaferrata, (died 1828), married 1817 to Maria Testaferrata Viani (See Tabria), with
issue.
1.3.1.1. Daniele Maria Testaferrata, (1819-63) married
1840 to Eugenia Bonici, with
issue.
1.3.1.1.1. Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, (1843-1903),
(CLAIMANT TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE
FOOTNOTES BELOW) Married 1874 to Filomena
de Piro, with issue.
1.3.1.1.1.1. Antonio Testaferrata Bonici,
(1879- ob.Inf.)
1.3.1.1.1.2. Daniele Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, (1880-1945),
married 1910 to Agnese Galea Testaferrata, with
issue.
1.3.1.1.1.2.1. Alfio Testaferrata Bonici Ghaxaq, 8th Marquis-See Below.
1.3.1.1.1.2.2. Lino Testaferrata Bonici, (1917-82),
married 1948 to Maria Testaferrata Moroni Viani (See Tabria), with
(female) issue-See Qlejjgha for all issue..
1.3.1.1.1.2.3. Helen Testaferrata Bonici, (1915-2004), married 1949 to
F/Lt. Arthur Malcolm Miles., dsp.
1.3.1.1.1..2.4. Florence Testaferrata Bonici, (1919-1978), married 1949
to Capt. Colin Davidson-Jenson, with issue.
1.3.1.1.1..2. 4.1. Nicholas Jenson Testaferrata. B.Sc Hons (RUM), MSc
(Soton), L.R.A.M., (1954-.
1.3.1.1.1.2. 4.2. Irene Jenson Testaferrata, (1950-,
married 1985 to Capt John Hamilton Bache, with issue.
1.3.1.1.1.2. 4.2.1. Colin-David John Bache,
(1986-.
1.3.1.1.1.3. Esther Testaferrata Bonici, married 6th Count Fournier, with issue.
1.3.1.1.1.4. Agata Testaferrata Bonici, married
1905 to her cousin (See Above) Philip Testaferrata Bonici, with issue.
1.3.1.1.2. Ignazio Testaferrata Bonici,
(1848-1928), (CLAIMANT TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE
FOOTNOTES BELOW) married 1877 to Maria Carmela Testaferrata, with
issue.
1.3.1.1.2.1. Philip Testaferrata Bonici, (1878-1933), married Agata
Testaferrata Bonici (See Below.), with issue.
1.3.1.1.2.1.1. Dr Victor Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonici,MD.,
(1907-1976), married 1950 to Victoria Zammit Maempel, with issue.
1.3.1.1.2.1.1.1. Joseph Phillip Testaferrata Bonici, (present-day senior most male-to-male descendant of the
Marchese Mario Testaferrata)
1.3.1.1.2.1.1.2. Rita Testaferrata Bonici, (1952-
1.3.1.1.2.1.1.3. Marie
Testaferrata Bonici, (1954- , married 1986 to Nicholas Bianchi, with issue.
1.3.1.1.2.1.2. Maria Testaferrata Bonici, (1909-
1.3.1.1.2.1.3. Beatrice Testaferrata Bonici,
(1911-, married Joseph Amato Gauci, with issue.
1.3.1.1.2.1.4. Josephine Testaferrata Bonici, (1913-
1.3.1.1.2.1.5. Lucy Testaferrata Bonici,
Married 1941 to Alfred Bencini, with issue.
1.3.1.1.2.2. Eugenia Testaferrata Bonici, (1892-
1.3.1.1.3. Donna Carmela
Testaferrata, (1841-), married Nicola Maria Caruana Gatto.
1.3.1.2. Fr.Giovanni Francesco Testaferrata, dunm.
1.3.1.3. Arfio Filippo Testaferrata, (1823-77).,
dunm.
1.3.1.4. Publio Testaferrata, (1821-...),married
Regina Galizia, with issue.
1.3.1.4.1. Augusto Gregorio Testaferrata, (1850- , married 1886 to Maria
Testaferrata (See Above)., with issue..
1.3.1.4.2. Tes'Attilio Testaferrata, (1852-, married 1881 to Yolanda Fontani (See Senia), with
issue.
1.3.1.4.3. Niccolo Testaferrata , married 1879
to Nathalie Fontani (See Senia), with
issue.
1.3.1.4.4. Luigi Testaferrata, (1863- , CLAIMANT TO THE
TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE FOOTNOTES BELOW) married 1880 to
Agnese Fontani (See Senia), with
issue.
1.3.1.4.5. Carmela Augusta Testaferrata, (1844-, CLAIMANT
TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE FOOTNOTES BELOW) married 1877 to Vincenzo Cassar.
1.3.1.4.6. Giulia Testaferrata, (1860- , married 1895 to Enrico
Farrugia.
1.3.1.5. Asteria Testaferrata, married 1843 to
Major Cavarra, with issue.
1.3.1.5.1. Irene Cavarra, married Dr. Alfonso
d'Armenia, LL.D, with issue.
1.3.2. Raffaele Testaferrata, married Maria Spiteri , with issue.
1.3.2.1. Daniele Testaferrata, married 1888 to Georgiana Alessi (See Taflia)., with issue.
1.3.2.2. Maria Testaferrata,
married 1886 to Augusto Gregorio Testaferrata. (See Below).
1.3.3. Anna Marie Testaferrata, married Ignazio Bonnici
- See Qlejjgha, with issue
1.3.4. Angelica Testaferrata,
married Gio Antonio Apap - See Gnien is-Sultan, with
issue.
1.3.5. Asteria Testaferrata.,
married 1803 at Valletta to Capt Augusto Bonnici-Gualtieri - See Dundee.
1.4.Pandolfo
Testaferrata de Noto.-See Testaferrata Olivier. Married
Firstly 1762 to Rosina Olivier de
Puget Ducoss, with issue.,
Married Secondly to Rosalia Mallia
Tabone dei Marchesi di Fiddien, with further
issue.
(Pandolfo Testaferrata First Marriage)
1.4.1. Giuseppe Enrico Testaferrata Olivier
(1763-1839), married Firstly to Ursula Sceberras Testaferrata (See Castel Cicciano), with
issue. Married Secondly 1796 to Maria Antonia Testaferrata -of the Cassar Desain Line., with issue.
1.4.1.1. Angelica Testaferrata Olivier, married 3rd Count Sant, with issue.
(Pandolfo Testaferrata First Marriage)
1.4.1.2. Dr Men'Andrea Testaferrata Olivier, LL.D,
1.4.1.3. Gio Paolo Testaferrata Olivier, -
1.4.1.4. Maria Antonia Testaferrata Olivier,
married Emmanuele Gauci, with issue. -See Extinct Titles.
1.4.2. Salvatore Testaferrata,
Changed his name when inheriting the 'Primogenitura Cassar Desain' to Cassar
Desain. Married Firstly to Maria Teresa de Piro Gourgion dei Marchesi de Piro, with issue., Married Secondly to Maria Lodins Claudi, with
further issue.
1.4.2.1. (First Marriage) Giovanni Battista Cassar Desain, married 1806 to Antonia Assenza, with issue.
1.4.2.1.1. Salvatore Cassar Desain, (Died 1846), married Marianna Scifo and
dsp.
1.4.2.1.2. Maria Teresa Cassar Desain, married 1822 to Lorenzo Antonio Testaferrata, with issue -See Cassar Desain.
1.4.2.1.3. Giovanna Cassar Desain, married Giuseppe
Gatt, with issue
1.4.2.1.3.1. Carmela Gatt, married Gio Batta Xerri
1.4.2.1.3.2. Arturo Gatt, married Sofia Rutter
1.4.2.1.4. Francesca Cassar Desain, married 1825
Valletta to Dr Emmanuele Caruana, LL.D, with
issue
1.4.2.2. Gaetano Testaferrata, (1790-..), Married 1821 to Vincenza Buttigieg,
with issue.
1.4.2.2.1. Virginia Testaferrata, married 1851 to Paolo Borg, with issue., Click here for Descendants.
1.4.2.2.2. Donna Carmela Testaferrata, dunm.
1.4.2.2.3. Ruggiero Testaferrata Desain., married
Maria Abram, with issue.
1.4.2.2.3.1. Gaetano Testaferrata Desain, dunm.
1.4.2.2.3.2. Antonio Testaferrata Desain, (died 1943).,
married Carmela Camilleri, (died 1972) with issue.
1.4.2.2.3.2.1. Ruggiero Testaferrata Desain, dunm. 1943.
1.4.2.2.3.2.2. Mary Testaferrata Desain, married
Vincenzo NN.
1.4.2.2.3.2.3. Ester Testaferrata Desain. dunm. 1948.
1.4.2.2.3.2.4. Oreste Testaferrata Desain.
1.4.2.2.3.2.5. Ines Testaferrata Desain., dunm. 1938.
1.4.2.2.3.2.6. Guzu Testaferrata Desain.
1.4.2.2.4. Gugliemo Testaferrata.
1.4.2.3. Annunicata Testaferrata, married 1818 to Dr
Bartolomeo Grech Delicata, with issue.
1.4.3. (Second Marriage) Niccolo Testaferrata de
Noto, (Died 1858), married 1811 to Vincenza Testaferrata Viani (See Tabria), with
issue.
1.4.3.1. Federico Testaferrata de Noto, (Died
1862), married 1841 to Rosa Bonici, with issue
1.4.3.1.1. Niccolo Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1916), Married Firstly
1864 to Margherita Mifsud, (died 1870), Married (2) 1870 to Francesca Borg,
(Died 1897), Married (3) 1898 to Carmela Dalli, with issue from all marriages.
1.4.3.1.1.1. (First Marriage) Carmela
Testaferrata de Noto, married 1885 to Francesco Busuttil, with issue
1.4.3.1.1.2. (Second Marriage) Federico
Testaferrata de Noto (1871-1935), married (1) 1892 to Antonia Borg, (died
1908), married (2) 1916 to Aloisea Attard (d. 1975), with issue from both
marriages
1.4.3.1.1.2.1. (First Marriage) Francesco
Testaferrata de Noto, dunm 1939.
1.4.3.1.1.2.2. Giuseppina
Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1949), married to Giuseppe Bajjeda, with issue.
1.4.3.1.1.2.2.1. Mons. Don Carmel
Bajjeda.
1.4.3.1.1.2.2.2. Antoinette Bajjeda.
1.4.3.1.1.2.3. Benedetta
Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1966).
1.4.3.1.1.2.4. Vincenza
Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1974).
1.4.3.1.1.2.5. (Second Marriage) Vincenzo
Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1971), married 1945 to Maria Tabone, with issue
1.4.3.1.1.2.5.1. John Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.1.1.2.5.2. Frederick Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.1.1.2.5.3. Martin Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.1.1.2.6. Emmanuele Testaferrata de
Noto,(1927-2003) married 1949 to Paolina Calleja, with issue
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.1. Jesmond Testaferrata de Noto,
married 2001 to Audrey De Micoli Orland, BE&A (Hons.), A&CE, M.Sc.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.1.1. Francesca Testaferrata de
Noto, (2002-
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.2. Asteria Testaferrata de Noto,
married 2003 to Mario Debattista., with issue.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.2.1. Mattea Manuela Debattista, (2004-.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.2.2. Nicholai Emmanuele Debattista,
(2006-.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.3. Miriam
Testaferrata de Noto.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.4. Mother Maria Adeodata Testaferrata de Noto, OSB.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.5. Louise Testaferrata de Noto,
married John Holland.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.6. Elizabeth Testaferrata de Noto,
married Carlo Belviso.
1.4.3.1.1.2.6.7. Nathalie Testaferrata de Noto,
married Raymond Vella.
1.4.3.1.1.2.7. Mary Carmela Testaferrata de
Noto, (1926-88), married 1951 to Paul Balzan, with issue.
1.4.3.1.1.3. (Third Marriage) Vincenzo Testaferrata
de Noto, married Carmela Mifsud, with issue
1.4.3.1.1.3.1. Joseph Testaferrata de Noto,
(died 1981), married Rita.., with issue.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1. Anita C.A. Testaferrata de
Noto, married 1981 to Gorden W. Stansfield, with issue.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1.1. Darren Testaferrata de Noto Stansfield,
(1981-.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1.2. Joseph Testaferrata de Noto Stansfield,
(1982-.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1.3. Gary Testaferrata de Noto Stansfield,
(1985-.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1.4. Sarah M. Testaferrata de Noto Stansfield,
(1988-.
1.4.3.1.1.3.1.1.5. Jessica T. Testaferrata de Noto
Stansfield, (1992-.
1.4.3.1.1.4. Emmanuele Testaferrata de Noto,
(died 1975), married 1932 to Enni Zahra, (died 2000), with issue
1.4.3.1.1.4.1. Evaristo Testaferrata de Noto,
married to Josephine...
1.4.3.1.1.4.2. Nicholas Testaferrata de Noto,
married Salvina...
1.4.3.1.1.4.3. Irene Testaferrata de Noto,
married to Phillip...
1.4.3.1.1.4.4. Winnie Testaferrata de Noto,
married Peter...
1.4.3.1.2. Marianna Testaferrata de Noto,
married 1873 to Paolo Farrugia
1.4.3.1.3. Eugenia Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.1.4. Paolina Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.1.5. Emilia Testaferrata de Noto
1.4.3.2. Laura Testaferrata de Noto, married Teodoro Attard de Cristoforo, with
issue.
1.4.3.2.1. Eugenia Attard de Cristoforo, married Capt
Edmond Wickham, with issue
1.4.3.2.1.1. Laura Wickham
1.4.3.2.1.2. Edmond Wickham
1.4.3.3. Caterina Testaferrata de Noto, married
Capt. William Calmady Noel, RN, with issue.
1.4.3.4. Antonio Testaferrata de Noto, married
Giovanna Grech, and dsp.
1.4.3.5. Emidio Emmanuele Testaferrata de Noto,
dunm.
1.4.3.6. Marianna Testaferrata de Noto, dunm.
1.4.3.7. Giovanna Testaferrata de Noto, dunm.
1.4.3.8. Elizabeth Testaferrata de Noto, dunm.
1.4.4. Sir
Giuseppe Testaferrata de Noto, KCMG, (died
1877), married 1819 to Letterina Testaferrata Viani (See Tabria), with
issue. Also sired a child by Antonia Moscati de Piro.
1.4.4.1. Rosalea Testaferrata de Noto, (died 1899), married 1840 to Luigi Apap (See Gnien is Sultan) ,
with issue.
1.4.4.2. (Illegitimate) Mary Sammut, married Giuseppe Cilia of Rabat, Malta, with issue.
1.4.5. Felicita Testaferrata de Noto, married Capt. P.P. Gauci Ducoss dei Baroni Gauci, with issue.-See Extinct Titles.
1.5.Asteria Testaferrata,
married Gio Francesco D'Amico Castelletti Fiott Farrugia Inguanez,
with issue.
(Mario Testaferrata Second Marriage)
2. Gilberto Testaferrata Castelletti ,
(1703-74), Married 1734 to Teodora Vella Abela with
issue:
2.1 Mario Testaferrata Castelletti, Married 1762 to
Anna Viani (See Tabria), with
issue
2.1.1. Giuseppe Testaferrata (1767-1837), - See Tabria. Married 1791 to
Rosa Maria Galea Feriol (See San Marciano), with
issue.
2.1.1.1. Gilberto Testaferrata Viani, Married 1826
to Aloisea Sceberras Bologna (See Catena), with
issue
2.1.1.1.1 Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani, -- See Tabria. (CLAIMANT
TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE FOOTNOTES BELOW)
2.1.1.1.2 Orade Testaferrata Viani -- See Tabria.
2.1.1.1.3 Maria Angela Testaferrata Viani, (1830-67),
married Pietro Paolo Testaferrata Abela Moroni (See Gomerino), with
issue. -- See Tabria.
2.1.1.1.4 Carmela Testaferrata Viani, married Ignazio
Testaferrata Bonnici (See below) with issue.
2.1.1.2.
Maria Testaferrata Viani, married 1817 to Gregorio
Augusto Testaferrata (See below) with issue.
2.1.1.3. Margherita Testaferrata Viani, married 1807
to Gaetano Giappone, with issue.
2.1.1.4. Vincenza Testaferrata Viani, married 1811 to Nicolo Testaferrata de Noto, with issue.
2.1.1.5. Lettrina Testaferrata Viani, married 1819 to Sir Giuseppe
Testaferrata de Noto, KCMG, with issue.
2.2. Lorenzo
Testaferrata (1770-..), married Angela Attard, with issue
2.2.1. Mario
Filippo Testaferrata (1811-74), married to Vincenza Testaferrata, with issue
2.2.1.1.
Maria Carmela Testaferrata (1861-.), married Ignazio
Testaferrata Bonici (see below)
2.2.1.2.
Constantine Testaferrata , married Teresa Maria Galea., with issue. (Tunisia)
2.2.1.3.
Guglielmo Testaferrata , married Natalizia Galea., with issue. (Tunisia)
2.2.1.4.
Lorenzo Testaferrata ( 1852-..),(CLAIMANT TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE FOOTNOTES
BELOW) married Marguerite
Galea.,
with issue. (Tunisia)
2.2.1.5.
Luigi Testaferrata , married to Marianna Scicluna., with issue. (Tunisia)
2.2.2.
Emmanuele Testaferrata (1811-..), married Cecilia Galea., with issue. (Tunisia)
2.2.3. Fr.
Giuseppe Testaferrata (1821-..), dunm.
2.2.4.
Costantine Testaferrata (1824-..), married to Alexia
Giappone., with issue. (Marseille France).
2.2.5.
Guglielmo Testaferrata (1822- ), married 1843 to Grazia Tagliaferro., with issue. (Marseille France)
2.2.6.
Carmelo Angelo Testaferrata (1827-..), married 1853 to
Adelaide Caruana., with issue. (London UK).
2.2.7. Anna
Maria Testaferrata, (1813-..), dunm.
2.2.8. Maria
Teresa Testaferrata (1824- ), married to Orazio
Sammut.
2.2.9.
Elizabetta Testaferrata, (1831- ), married to Daniele
Preziosi.
2.3. Maria
Teresa Testaferrata, married Odoardo Mallia Tabone. -See Fiddien.
2.4. Marianna
Testaferrata, married 1796 to Giuseppe Testaferrata Olivier.-See Testaferrata Olivier.
2.5. Filippo
Testaferrata, Married 1807 to Vincenza Falanca, with issue
2.5.1.
Lorenzo Antonio Testaferrata (born 1805), (died 1851), Married 1822 to Maria
Teresa Cassar Desain, with issue
2.5.1.1.
Filippo Giacomo Cassar Desain, ( 1826-66),
married 1848 to Veneranda de Piro-Gourgion
2.5.1.1.1. Richard Cassar Desain,
2.5.1.1.2. Lorenzo Antonio Cassar Desain, (CLAIMANT TO THE TITLE OF Marchese Testaferrata (SEE FOOTNOTES
BELOW) See Cassar
Desain for all other issue.
2.5.1.1.3. Giuseppe Cassar Desain, (died infancy,1853).
2.5.1.1.4. Maria Teresa Cassar Desain., (1856-),
married Pietro Fontani.
2.5.1.2.
Vincenza Testaferrata (1823-..), married Lorenzo Testaferrata -See Above., with issue.
2.5.1.3. Giovanna Testaferrata (1825-..), married
Emmanuele Lauron, with issue.
2.5.1.4. Donna Laura Testaferrata (1830-..)
2.5.1.5. Donna Louisa Testaferrata (1833-..)
2.5.1.6. Donna Filomena Testaferrata (1837-..)
2.5.1.7. Donna Elizabeth Testaferrata (1841-..)
2.5.1.8. Donna Adelaide Testaferrata, married 1856 to Francesco Saverio de Piro -See De Piro..
2.5.2. Anna Maria Testaferrata,
(1806-).
2.5.3. Maria Antonia Testaferrata,
(1808-).
2.5.4. Christina Testaferrata,
(1810-).
2.6. Teodora “Maria
Teresa” Testaferrata, (dunm 1824)-Had a
child by Alexandre Moscati (1774-1826). Never married.
2.6.1. Anna Moscati, (Noted in Will as
daughter of Maria Antonio 'Teodora' Testaferrata), Married 1810 to Michele
Gauci, with issue. Also had a child with H.S.H,
Prince Louis-Charles de Orleans, Comte de Beaujolais, (Died
1808-Buried at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta)
3. Pulcheria
Testaferrata Castelletti, married Pietro Antonio Testaferrata (See Castel Cicciano)
4. (Third Marriage) Gregorio Testaferrata Vassallo, (1740-...), dunm.
5. Anna Teresa Testaferrata Vassallo,
(1742-), married 1770 to Cmdr. Martino Preziosi (See Preziosi)
Footnote#1: The title of Marchese was
granted on the 13th July 1717, to Mario Testaferrata, by Victor-Amadeus, King
of Sicily and Duke of Savoy. The patent of creation of this title is worded in
Italian, and its operative clause runs thus:- (Translation) Hence it is that
by these presents under our sign manual, of our certain knowledge, Royal
authority, and absolute power, and with the advice of our Council we confer as
a special favour on the said Mario Testaferrata, and all his legitimate and
natural descendants successively, the title of Marquis, with all the
privileges, prerogatives, dignities...which are or may be enjoyed by other
marquises. We therefore command that all our magistrates, ministers, vassals,
and all out subjects generally on this and on the other side of the sea...shall
acknowledge as Marquis the said D. Mario Testaferrata,
and his legitimate and natural descendants successivelyThe foregoing grant
was made at Chambery, on the 13th July 1717, by the said King Victor-Amadeus,
whilst he possessed not only the Duchy of Savoy but also the Kingdom of Sicily.
The patent of creation bears the following heading:- Victor-Amadeus by the
Grace of God King of Sicily, Jerusalem, and Cyprus, Duke of Savoy, Montferrat,
and Aosta .and perpetual Vicar of the Empire; and in conferring the title
the King declares that he avails himself of his Royal authority.
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.) (See
Report Paras. 122-172).
Footnote#2: At Maltese Law the title conferred on Mario Testaferrata is only a foreign
title and, as such, it can be considered for the purposes of precedence only if
registration or Magistral recognition has been
achieved. in accordance with the rules of 1739 and
1795 as enacted by Grand Masters Despuig and Rohan. In this case, the Commissioners noted that the
title was never registered in Malta, nor does it appear to have received direct
recognition for the Grand Masters who ruled Malta 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.) (See Report Paras. 122-172). This does not render the title
invalid but in accordance with the rule cited above, although the
title is valid, it does not enjoy precedence in Malta. See also: http://www.maltagenealogy.com/SME/testaferrata2.html
and http://www.saidvassallo.com/SME/referencegrants.html
Footnote#3: That this title was not recognized by the Order in any form whatsoever as
also stated by the Civil Court of Malta in the case “Emanuele
Testaferrata Bonnici Asciak vs Gio Paolo Testaferrata Olivier and others”
decided on the 16 August 1885. In fact that judgement stated: il Diploma di Vittorio Amadeo non fu mai
riconosciuto dal Governo di Malta, e non ebbe, pertanto, in Malta, alcuna
esistenza legale. This judgement was appealed and the Couirt of
Appeal on the 8 January 1887 overruled the first judgment.
In reaching its decision to revoke the first judgment, the Court of Appeal said
that the matter to be decided in appeal was la difficolta “ della causa presente riguardo piuttosta il capo delle spese,
che il merito”. Consequently, it cannot be said that the Court of
Appeal decided against the findings of the first judgment, including therefore
the first Court’s declaration on the non-recognition of this title.
Footnote#4: Notwithstanding, its non recognition, the 1878 Commissioners went to some
lengths to establish the proper remainder of the title granted to Mario
Testaferrata in 1717. In fact the Commissioenrs remarked The title is claimed by several
gentlemen who assume that it is descendible to all the grantee’s
contemporary lineal successors, and not to the
first-born son exclusively, under the rule of primogeniture. If the title,
however, is taken to extend to all the contemporary descendants of the person
first ennobled, many other gentlemen who, like the claimants, are the
descendants of Mario Testaferrata, would be equally
entitled to the enjoyment of the present dignity.
Footnote#5: From a reading of the 1878 Report, it appears that the claim for a
multiple remainder originated a long time before then. In fact the 1878 report
describes how on the 10th September 1772, after the death of Mario and of Enrico, his
first-born by Anna De Noto his first wife, Enrico’s sons Daniele,
Pandolfo and Asteria, on the one part, and Gilberto another son of Mario by
Elisabetta Castelletti his second wife, on the other, after having brought
against each other various suits, which were begun during the lifetime of
Enrico, and were decided by the Rota Romana, agreed to compromise all
matters between them. In order to stipulate this deed, there appeared Daniele
in his own name and on behalf of his brother Pandolfo, and of his sister
Asteria, wife of the Barone Giovanni Francesco Damico Inguanez, and Mario
Testaferrata, son of Gilberto, as procurator of his father, and among other
clauses, the following was agreed to:-Praefati quoque Dni contrahentes pro
se et suis, convenerunt et convenient quod tam memoratus Dnus Don Gilbertus, ac
sui filii et descendentes in infinituum, quam preti Dni Daniel, Don Pandulphus,
et Donna Asteria eorumque filii et descendentes in infinitum, reciproce ac unite
uti possint uti possint titulis omnibus honorificis atque nobilibus familiae
competentibus, ac segnantur titulis Marchionatus Sancti Vincentii Ferreri et
Marchionatus de Testaferrata et Equitis Sacri Romani Imperii, quorum copia uni
alteri consignare debet, aliisque juribus etiam patronatus simplicis familiae
competentibus et non aliter. 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.) (See Report Paras.
122-172).
Footnote#6: The 1878 Commissioners dismissed the validity of the 1772 agreement as
follows: This is the
so-termed patto di famiglia (Anglice, family compact), which after the death of
Mario was entered into, and by which also Asteria, a daughter, and her
descendants were admitted to bear all the titles belonging to the family, that
of Marchese De Testaferrata included. But is the latter title, De Testaferrata,
proceeding from the grant made by Victor-Amadeus, is not to be taken to extend
to all the contemporary descendants of Mario, and if, whatever may be its
extension, it was neither duly registered in these islands nor acknowledged by
the local sovereigns, it is clear that the afore-said agreement is legally null
and void. On the other
hand, however, and according to the aforesaid judgment of 1887, the Court of
Appeal observed as follows: Che, dall’ altro canto, pero’ e’
giusto rimarcare che nella transazione seguita per atti del Notaro Vittorio
Giammalvadel 10 settembre 1773 (recte 1772) tra i figli di Don Mario Testaferrata,
il primo concessionario del titolo, di cui e’ qestione, dopo di avere
menzionato solo due titoli di Nobilta’, quello cioe di San Vincenzo
Ferreri, e l’altro di Testaferrata (alledendo a quello conceduto da
Vittorio Amadeo) era stato convenuto che tutti I figli con loro discendenti
dovessero essere in liberta’ di portare l’una e l’atra
concessione.
Footnote#7: It is to be remarked that as at 1878, this title (because of its
particularly wide remainder) was claimed by no less than six main claimants,
each one backing his respective claim by forceful legal argument. These were
Emmanuele Testaferrata
Bonnici-Asciack, Lorenzo Antonio Testaferrata, Giuseppe Testaferrata Viani, Gio. Paolo Testaferrata
Olivier de Puget, Lorenzo Antonio Cassar Desain ne Testaferrata and Ignazio
Testaferrata Bonnici. However, the Commissioners
noted that many others could make similar claims. 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.) (See Report Paras. 122-172). In fact by 1883, the claimants
were joined by Luigi Testaferrata, Carmela Testaferrata, Giuseppe Apap
Testaferrata and Francesco Gauci Testaferrata. See: Report of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese
Nobility on the claims of certain members of that body with the Secretary of
State’s Reply, August 1883, presented to both Houses of Parliament by
Command of Her Majesty (C-3812).
Footnote#8: The Commissioners also noted that in the hypothesis that : the grant is held to be so unlimited
as to include all the grantee descendants without any restriction, female
descendants cannot by logical inference be excluded from the possession of the
title, King Victor Amadeus himself in the grant of the title of Conte,
conferred upon Giuseppe Preziosi, on the 19th October 1718, wishing to exclude
from the succession of the grantee’s female issue, ordered that the title
was to hold to the grantee and his legitimate and natural male descendants, in
lawful wedlock begotten, whether born or to be born. 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.) (See Report Paras.
122-172). In
1883, a Committee of five Titolati recommended that the title be enjoyed
by the eldest son of each subformation. The recommendation of the majority to
the British Secretary of State for the Colonies reads as follows: This grant
(of 1717) not being a feudal concession its inheritance cannot be governed by
the same laws that obtain with the feudal titles granted to and possessed by
the generality of the Maltese nobility, and no feudal
laws can be invoked except by analogy, either to restrict the designation of
Marchese, as derived from this diploma, to the primogenial line of the grantee
exclusively, or to extend the same to all his contemporary descendants. Owing to these facts the Committee
thinks that similar claims can be satisfactorily settled through an examination
of such official documents as the claimants may produce and prove thereto the
possession of a title of nobility acknowledged on the part of the Grand Masters
in the male ancestors of each claimant. In claims
so established, as has been the case with those already examined in paragraphs
37-40, it is desirable that the title should be allowed under the definitive
rule that its descent be limited to the eldest son in each case, and that their
names be placed in the official list of Titolati according to the date of the
first recognition of the title in each respective line. We humbly beg to submit that after
a most careful examination that no other advice on this part of the Committee
could be effectual with regard to claims exclusively based on the diploma of
King Victor Amadeus, as against the claim preferred by Emmanuele Testaferrata
Bonici See: Report of the Committee of Privileges of the Maltese
Nobility on the claims of certain members of that body with the Secretary of
States Reply, August 1883, presented to both Houses of Parliament by
Command of Her Majesty (C-3812). This recommendation does not appear to have been accepted by the
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Footnote#9: Published sources also show that two of the claimants namely Gio. Paolo Testaferrata Olivier de
Puget and Lorenzo Antonio Cassar Desain ne Testaferrata were successful in
obtaining recognitions extended by Grand Master Pinto of the title under
discussion. Indeed, these published sources attribute the dates of 1745 and
1749 respectively as the dates when Grand Master Pinto “directly
recognized” the title granted to their respective forebears. This is
manifestly unfounded because when one of the claimants Emmanuele Testaferrata-Bonici-Asciack
subsequently sued both Testaferrata Olivier and Cassar Desain (Judgment No. 71/1887 of H.M. Court of Appeal dated 8
January 1887), the court
upheld Emmanuele Testaferrata Bonnici Asciak’s claim that he was to have
the exclusive right to the title granted by Vittorio Amadeo, King of Sicily and
Duke of Savoy after the same Testaferrata Olivier and Cassar Desain declared espressamente
di essere stato a loro da Sua Maesta` la Regina accordato il titolo che
portano, e non aggiungendo alcuna pretensione su quello conceduto da Vittorio
Amadeo, in sostanza ammettendo la domanda dell’ attore di essere egli
solo, almeno per quanto concerne loro stessi, nel diritto di portare il titolo
di Marchese conferito con quel Diploma. These declarations
positively exclude any link between the title granted in 1717 and the aforesaid
“recognitions”. Moreover, it is plain that by 1887, it had been
long accepted (and admitted by both Cassar Desain and Testaferrata Olivier)
that the title granted in 1717 had not been recognized by the Grand Masters in
any form whatsoever.
Footnote#10: It is not amiss to note that in the court proceedings culminating in the
aforesaid judgemnt of 1887, both Cassar Desain and Testaferrata Olivier
declared that dichiarando espressamente di essere a loro da Sua Maesta la
Regina accordato il titolo che portano, e non aggiungendo alcuna pretensione su
quello conceduto da Vittorio Amadeo. That is to say, Cassar Desain and
Testaferrata Olivier declared that the titles enjoyed by them were by virtue of
a grant by Queen Victoria.
Footnote#11: It appears that
the same Mario Testaferrata made a will which was opened and published at
Palermo by notary Dixidomino on the 16th April 1758, from which it appears that
Mario, who therein styles himself as Marchese di San Vincenzo Ferreri:, and
also Marchese de Testaferrata, disposed as follows: in toto integro
et indeminuito patrimonio ac in dicto titulo Marchiones Sancti Vincentii nec
non etiam in ejus Palatio, etc ejus haeredem universalem instituit, ac
proprio ore nominavit et nominat D. Gilbertum Testaferrata ejus filium In
the same testament, we find also the following clause: Et quia dictus
illustris testator ultra dictos Dominum Gilbertum et D. Pulchram, ejus filios
desuper contemplatos, alium ejus filium primi matrimonii vocatum D. Enricum
Testaferrata . Et pro nonnullis ingratitudinibus disobedientiae, ac pro dubio
insidiationis mortis ejusdem testatoris, ut ipse illustris asserit, etiam pro
causa dissipationis nonnullorum bonorum mobiliumvigore praesentis, attentis
juribus et rationibus desuper descriptis, dictus illus testator eumdem D.
Henricum Testaferrata dishaereditavit, a substantia et patrimonio paterno
privando et totaliter eumdem D. Henricum Testaferrata ejus filium tam a
successione titolorum Marchionis Sancti Vincentii Ferreri et Testaferrata, quam
a successione..et sic voluit et non aliter nec alio modo, et hoc non obstante
quod fuisset per eundem illum testatorem facta wquaedam scriptura private, subscripta
propria manu dicti illmi testatoris, in qua declarabat dictum D. Henricum ejus
filium, successorem in Marchionem Sancti Vincentii Ferreri. 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.) (See Report Paras.
113-121). In the course of the 1878 inquiry, the 1878 Commissioners remarked But
if, on the contrary, the title lawfully subsists, and it is inheritable by the
first-born son only, under the rule of primogeniture, the marchese would be the
said Emmanuele Testaferrata, should the disinheritance in Mario’s
testament be void, but, if valid, the title belongs to the said Dr. Giuseppe
Testaferrata. 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.) (See Report Paras.
122-172)
Footnote#12: In terms of the Statuto delle succesioni
ai titoli e agli attrbuti nobiliari
(Regio Decreto 16 agosto 1926, n. 1489 article 1 reads Alle antiche disposizioni che con norme diverse, nelle singoli regioni
d’ Italia, regolana tutt’ ora l’ ordine
delle successioni, riguardo ai titoli
ed attributi nobiliari concessi dai Sovrani
degli antichi Stati, prima della unificazione politica, sono surrogate
le disposizioni seguenti (etc). In addition article 12 of the same Statuto reads: Le disposizioni e le consuetudini riflettenti la successione nei titoli di nobilta’
contrarie alla presemti disposizioni,
sono abrogate. Article 2 reads: Le successione nei
titoli nobiliari e anessi predicate ha luogo a favore dell’ agnazione maschile dell’
ultimo investito per ordine
di primogenitura, senza limitazione di gradi, con preferenza della linea sul grado.
I chiamati alla successione devono descendere per maschi dallo stipite comune,
primo investito del titolo. I titoli non si trasmettono alle femmine, ne
per linea femminile, salvo quanto dispone il
primo capoverso del’
art. 4 . The latter capoverso reads Quelli concessi, oltre che tutti I maschi,
anche alle femmine, spettano allo medesime solo durante lo stato nubile e non danno luogo a successione.
Article 5 reads: I titoli
provenienti da femmine, che, alla
entrata in vigore delli presenti disposizioni sono legittimamente pervenuti alla lora discendenza
maschile, continuano aa devolversi alla
medesima discendenza, secondo le norme stabilite nel’ art. 2. Estinte le linee maschili, aventi per stipite comune la femmina intestataria del titolo, questo con gli annessi predicati ritorna, preview patenti di Regio assenso, al’ agnazione maschile della famiglia, alla quale apparteneva
nel giorno della promulgazione delle leggi abolitive
della feudalita’ osservate
le norme stabilite nell’ art. 2. Some time later in 1943, further
Italian legislation was enacted. In terms of the Ordinamento dello Stato nobiliare
italiano (Regio Decreto 7 giugno 1943, n.651) article 40 reads: Le successioni dei titoli, predicate e attribute nobiliari
hanno luogo a favore della agnazione
maschile dell’ ultimo investito,
per ordine di primogenitura
senza limitazione di gradi con preferenza della linea sul
grado. I chiamati alla successione debono discendere per maschi dallo stipite commune, primo investito del titolo.
I titoli, I predicate e gli
attributi nobbiliari non si trasmettono
per linea femminile, salvo quanto dispone il primo capoverso dell’ art. 45’ The latter capoverso reads : Estinte
le linee maschili, aventi per stipite, comune la femmina intestataria del titolo, questo con gli annessi predicate ritorna, previe Lettere Patenti di Regio Assenso, all’ agnazione maschile della famiglia alla
quale apparteneva nel giorno della
promulgazione delli leggi abolitive della feudalita’ osservate
le norme stabilite dall’ art. 40.
