Entertaining the Braganzas: When Queen Maria of Portugal visited William Stephens in 1788

The contrast between Maria I of Portugal and William Stephens, an illegitimate son of a Cornish servant girl who became one of the richest industrialists in Europe, forms the basis of this novel. Despite their different backgrounds, they formed an unlikely friendship in the stifling formality of the Portuguese court during Maria's visit in 1788. The story provides an intimate glimpse into the world of absolute monarchy and court life in the old Europe, just one year before the French Revolution began to change the continent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Maria I of Portugal, a monarch with absolute power, and William Stephens, an illegitimate son of a Cornish servant girl, lived vastly different lives. At the age of fifteen, William set sail for Lisbon, driven by a desire to become one of the wealthiest industrialists in Europe. In stark contrast, Maria, the reigning queen of Portugal, spent three days in a small village seventy miles north of Lisbon in the summer of 1788. During her stay, she slept for two nights in the house of an Englishman, a low-born and illegitimate Protestant, considered a heretic by the Portuguese.

Entertaining the Braganzas is a captivating tale that delves into the world of absolute monarchy, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary individuals. It provides a snapshot of court life in old Europe, just one year before the French Revolution began to transform the continent. The story unfolds as William, a man of genius, establishes a thriving glass factory in a small village seventy miles north of Lisbon. Maria, the reigning queen of Portugal, visits this village during her summer vacation, and her encounter with William and his family becomes the focal point of the narrative.

Despite their vastly different backgrounds and circumstances, Maria and William form an unlikely friendship. Their meeting at a time of great upheaval in European history adds an extra layer of intrigue to their story. The political and social climate of the time, marked by the rise of nationalism and the decline of feudalism, played a significant role in shaping their relationship. Maria, as the queen of a powerful nation, was deeply invested in the preservation of the monarchy and the traditional values of the Portuguese court. On the other hand, William, with his entrepreneurial spirit and determination, represented a new breed of industrialists who challenged the established order.

Their friendship, however, was not without its challenges. The religious differences between Maria and William, as well as the social and political tensions in Portugal, posed obstacles to their relationship. Despite these challenges, their bond grew stronger over time. William's intelligence and business acumen impressed Maria, while her regal presence and charisma captivated him. They found common ground in their shared love for art and literature, and their conversations often delved into the broader issues of the day.

Their friendship, in many ways, symbolized the changing times and the evolving nature of European society. It showcased the power of human connection and the ability to bridge gaps between different backgrounds and beliefs. Maria and William's story serves as a reminder that even in the most rigid and formal of environments, friendships can flourish and that individuals with different origins can come together to create something extraordinary.

In conclusion, Entertaining the Braganzas is a captivating tale that explores the unlikely friendship between Maria I of Portugal and William Stephens. It provides a window into the world of absolute monarchy, court life in old Europe, and the transformative power of human connection. Through their story, we witness the clash of different worlds, the challenges faced by individuals from diverse backgrounds, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Maria and William's friendship serves as a reminder that even in the most unlikely circumstances, true friendship can blossom, and that the bonds we form with others can have a profound impact on our lives and the world around us.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 235 x 167 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526751492