Jaime, Duke of Braganza

Jaime (James) was the fourth Duke of Braganza.

He was the older son of Duke Fernando II of Braganza (1430-e.1483), who was executed for treason by order of King John II of Portugal. James fled to Castille and returned to Portugal in 1498, three years after the king's death, when the Braganzas' treason was forgiven.

When the family returned to Portugal, they received the lands confiscated and recovered their old privileges.

As James' mother was Infanta Isabel, sister of the new King Manuel I, he was sworn Prince of Portugal when the king traveled to Castille and was yet childless.

James married Eleanor of Mendoza, daughter of Spanish noble Juan Alonso de Guzman, 3rd Duke of Medina Sidonia, who was murdered due to James' jealousy (some say it was the Duke himself who killed his wife). To obtain the royal pardon, he prepared a fleet with its own money, to conquerer the city of Azamor in the Maroccan Atlantic coast. The city was easily conquered by the Portuguese and the Duke was forgiven.

He married twice:

• in 1500, with Eleonor of Mendoza (daughter of the spanish 3rd Duke of Medina Sidonia), killed in 1512 - they had:
  • Isabel of Braganza, who married her second-cousin Infante Duarte, Duke of Guimarães, King Manuel I sixth son;
  • Teodosius I, 5th Duke of Braganza

• and in 1520, with Joana de Mendoça a portuguese noble woman, from whom he had 8 children, the most known are:
  • Constantino of Braganza, 7th Viceroy of India;
  • Teotónio of Braganza, Archbishop of Évora;
  • Eugenie of Braganza, married her cousin Francisco de Melo, 2nd Marquis of Ferreira.

James had also two natural daughters.

Nobility Titles

• 4th Duke of Braganza,
• 2nd Duke of Guimarães,
• 3rd Marquis of Vila Viçosa,
• 11th Count of Barcelos,
• 8th Count of Ourém,
• 5th Count of Arraiolos and
• 5th Count of Neiva.