Miguel de Vasconcelos
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This article does not cite any references or sources. (October 2009) |
Miguel de Vasconcelos (or Vasconcellos) e Brito (c. 1590 - Lisbon, 1 December 1640; Portuguese pronunciation: [miˈɡɛɫ dɨ vaʃkõˈsɛluʃ]) was the last Secretary of State (Prime Minister) of the Kingdom of Portugal, during the Philippine Dynasty, in which both kingdoms of Portugal and Spain remained separated but united by the same king and foreign policy (See: History of Portugal (1578-1777)). He was in office from 1635 to 1640, serving under the Vice-Queen of Portugal, Margarita of Savoy, the Duchess of Mantua, a Spanish-Italian noblewoman of Portuguese ancestry.
He was probably the most hated collaborator with the Spanish, considered a traitor during the last years of the Philippine Dynasty, especially after the revolts of 1637. On the morning of 1 December 1640, a group of Portuguese noblemen who wanted to restore full independence started a revolution, immediately supported by the people. After entering the palace, the conspirators sought Miguel Vasconcelos, but saw no sign of him. They would eventually find Miguel de Vasconcelos hidden in a closet with a gun. His movements within the small closet and the rustling of papers inside gave away his position. He was shot to death and defenestrated, leaving his corpse to the angry public.
| Preceded by Unknown |
Prime Minister of Portugal (Secretary of State) 1635–1640 |
Succeeded by Francisco de Lucena |
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