Dukes and Princes

History and Heritage of Europe’s top aristocrats

On this site you will find short histories about the families of the princes and dukes of Europe, from the middle ages to the present

You will also find information about the heritage these families left behind, some still worth a visit, some long vanished.

Dukes of Saxe-MeiningenJuly 29, 2022
Where would you go if you wanted an incredible musical or theatrical experience in the later 19th century? One of Europe’s great music capitals—Vienna, Paris?Continue reading “Dukes of Saxe-Meiningen”
Princes of Powys Fadog and MaelorJuly 21, 2022
Until very recently I had never heard of Maelor, despite it being just over an hour’s drive from my home in Manchester. I’ve now becomeContinue reading “Princes of Powys Fadog and Maelor”
Piombino: A sovereign principality for the Appiani, Ludovisi and BoncompagniJuly 8, 2022
Renaissance Italy is known for its complex political geography, with numerous small duchies and principalities punching above their weight in terms of the generation ofContinue reading “Piombino: A sovereign principality for the Appiani, Ludovisi and Boncompagni”