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John VI of Portugal

Also known as John the Clement (epithet)

Lisbon, 13 May 1767 – Lisbon, 10 Mar 1826

13 facts3 sources

Animated by AI

About John VI

João VI: regency and changing royal titles

AI-assisted · edited

The collection records João VI’s birth in Lisbon on 13 May 1767. He was the son of Pedro III and Maria I of Portugal. His recorded offices begin with the regency of Portugal, from 1799 to 1816, followed by the Portuguese monarchy from 1816 to 1826. 12345

Another title names him as King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, beginning in 1816. His biographical summary later describes him as King of Portugal and titular Emperor of Brazil. A separate title record dates the Brazilian imperial title to 1825–1826. These were different titles, rather than evidence of a single unchanging office. 678

The same summary records the epithet “the Clement”. The collection gives Lisbon as the place of his death on 10 March 1826. His life can therefore be explored through the relationships and changing forms of authority recorded beside his portrait. 79

Drafted with AI and edited against the collection. Open a citation to see the record, its sources and how certain it is.

Facts and their sources

  • Born13 May 1767, Lisbonnot verified1 source
  • TitleRegent of Portugal, 1799–1816or King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve, 1816–1822 · Monarch of Portugal, 1816–1826 · Emperor of Brazil, 1825–1826not verified1 source
  • TitleMonarch of Portugal, 1816–1826or Regent of Portugal, 1799–1816 · King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve, 1816–1822 · Emperor of Brazil, 1825–1826not verified1 source
  • TitleKing of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve, 1816–1822or Regent of Portugal, 1799–1816 · Monarch of Portugal, 1816–1826 · Emperor of Brazil, 1825–1826not verified1 source
  • TitleEmperor of Brazil, 1825–1826or Regent of Portugal, 1799–1816 · King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve, 1816–1822 · Monarch of Portugal, 1816–1826not verified1 source
  • Died10 Mar 1826, Lisbonnot verified1 source
  • FatherPedro III of Portugalnot verified1 source
  • MotherMaria I of Portugalnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 13 May 1767

    Born in Lisbon

  2. 1793–1806

    9 children are born

  3. 1799–1816

    Regent of Portugal

  4. 1816–1826

    Monarch of Portugal

  5. 1816–1822

    King of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarve

  6. 1825–1826

    Emperor of Brazil

  7. 10 Mar 1826

    Dies in Lisbon, aged 58

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 9

During his lifetime

He lived through 7 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Lisbon.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1760s · John VI is born in Lisbon

Who governed

What people wore

Linen saved for lifetime festive wear

Villagers painstakingly washed and bleached fine linen to store in wooden trunks, saving these materials to be hand-sewn into special feast-day clothing that would last a lifetime. In contrast, coarser tow-cloth was used for everyday work clothes, which were constantly patched by local seamstresses to maintain them.

Getting around

Travel in luxury via mule-drawn litters

Wealthy individuals traveled between cities in litters, which were carriage-like boxes pulled by mules, at a cost of 80,000 to 90,000 réis for a journey between Lisbon and Porto.

At the table

Cod as a staple for the poor

Dried and salted cod, known as bacalhau, was a staple protein for ordinary people because it was affordable and easy to store.

The Seven Years’ War. Fought in Europe, the Americas, Africa and India, often called the first world war: Britain took Canada and India from France.Around the world · 1756–1763

The Seven Years’ War. Fought in Europe, the Americas, Africa and India, often called the first world war: Britain took Canada and India from France.

Blaue Max · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the news1769

Abolition of slavery in continental Portugal

In 1769, the Marquis of Pombal abolished slavery in continental Portugal and Portuguese India, significantly changing the legal status of enslaved people.

Music

The Popular Fandango Dance

In the 18th century, the fandango became so popular across all social classes that some foreign travelers considered it Portugal's national dance. Originally from Spanish theaters, it was danced by couples using castanets or finger snapping, often in taverns and even convents.

Daily life

Value of household repairs versus food

A household once paid 2,400 réis for the repair of a water barrel, which was exactly the same amount spent to purchase two chickens in the same period.