Constitutional Monument medal
Original title: Medalha do Monumento Constitucional
A silver medal made in 1822 to mark the foundation of a monument to the 1820–21 constitutional revolution in Funchal; it was destroyed by absolutist authorities in 1823.
It was made of silver by Severiano Alberto de Freitas Ferraz. According to no. 62 of O Patriota Funchalense (‘The Funchal Patriot’) of 1 February 1822, on one side it bore, ‘between two olive branches, the respected names of the 13 heroes who deserved well of the fatherland, and below them the following: the foundation stone of this monument was laid by the governor Dom Rodrigo António de Mello on 28 January 1822. On the other side it bore the following inscription: The Council of Funchal, acceding to the wishes of the citizens of this province, agreed to the erection of this monument to the political regeneration of the Portuguese monarchy, proclaimed in this city on 28 January 1821. Around this inscription were engraved the memorable days of 24 August, 15 September and 1 October 1820, and 26 January, 26 February and 4 July 1821. On the milled edge of the medal was engraved the following: Long live the Constitution, long live Religion and long live the dynasty of the House of Braganza.’
On 1 September 1823, by order of the absolutist authorities, the constitutional monument medal was crushed, then weighed and sold, and the proceeds went into the coffers of the municipality (concelho).
In this article
Time
Years mentioned · 04-
The Portuguese Liberal Revolution broke out in Porto on 24 August 1820, an event later commemorated on the medal of the Constitutional Monument in Funchal.
-
Madeira adhered to the liberal revolution and the constitutional regime was solemnly proclaimed in Funchal, the square being renamed Praça da Constituição.
-
Funchal celebrated the first anniversary of the Constitution's proclamation with festivities, a thanksgiving sermon by Freitas Branco in the cathedral, and the laying by Governor D. Rodrigo António de Melo of the foundation stone of a constitutional monument in the Terreiro da Sé.
-
The absolutist authorities destroyed the foundations of the liberal constitutional monument in Funchal and had its medal crushed and sold.
Place
Places mentioned · 01
- Funchal
City whose council erected the constitutional monument.
The capital of the archipelago and seat of the principal captaincy, where settlement began; it was made a vila c.1451–52. Its bay, the widest in the archipelago, lies between Ponta do Garajau and Ponta da Cruz and offers sheltered anchorage, though its harbour had never been studied oceanographically. The Elucidário discusses it as a health resort with climate data and records the January 1906 disturbances, the Danish prince's visit in May 1846 and recent volcanic cones in the area.
People
People mentioned · 02-
Governor who laid the foundation stone of the constitutional monument on 28 January 1822.
- Severiano Alberto de Freitas Ferraz1792–1856
Maker of the silver constitutional monument medal.