The Will of the Medinaceli: The Division of a Fortune that Shaped the History of Spain
The Ducal House of Medinaceli, one of the oldest and most powerful in Spanish nobility, has been the scene of great episodes of grandeur and decline. In its will, the division of its immense fortune not only triggered a series of family conflicts but also reflected the political intrigues of its time. In this article, we will explore the palace secrets surrounding this monumental inheritance and how its legacy has endured through the centuries.
The Grandeur of the Medinaceli: A Lineage of Power and Wealth
The House of Medinaceli was established in 1368 when King Henry II of Castile granted the title of duke to Don Pedro de la Cerda. Since then, this lineage became one of the most influential in Spain, accumulating vast properties throughout the Iberian Peninsula, including lands in Andalusia, Castile and León, and, of course, its emblematic Ducal Palace in the city of Medinaceli, Soria.
For centuries, the Medinaceli enjoyed a privileged status, participating in the politics and culture of the time. However, as the 19th century approached, the fortune of the house began to falter. The War of Independence and the subsequent Mendizábal disappropriation in 1836 severely impacted their wealth, leading to a crisis that would culminate in the drafting of a will that would give rise to a true family saga.
The Will: A Document that Divided the Family
The will of Don Pedro Alcántara de Medinaceli, who passed away in 1866, has become a symbol of the internal struggles that marked the fate of his family. This document not only contained instructions on how his inheritance should be distributed, but it also revealed the tensions among his descendants. According to the