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Speaking at the Baltic Manors Summer School in Lithuania
I had the pleasure of being a speaker at the Baltic Manors Summer School, organized by the Vilnius Academy of Arts. The week-long program brought together researchers, heritage professionals, manor owners and students from across the Baltic region to explore the histories and futures of Baltic manors. In my lecture, I spoke about the fideikommiss system in Sweden.…
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Rafael Nadal made marquis by King of Spain
King Felipe VI of Spain has bestowed the noble title of Marquis upon tennis legend Rafa Nadal. Nadal will hold the title Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca, the island where he was born and lives. The title is hereditary and can thus be inherited by his descendants. Today, as far as I’m aware, only a…
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Royal herald painter of Denmark
This week, Ronny Andersen celebrates 20 years with the Danish Order Chapter, having been appointed Royal Herald Painter of Denmark on July 1, 2005. In Denmark, there has been a royal herald painter since the 1680s. The first one whose name we know is Herman von Ham, who held the position from 1690 to 1713.…
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Update of castlesofsweden.com
Castles of Sweden has had a makeover! Interactive maps, filtering functions, and loads of new features for anyone wanting to explore Sweden’s castles and manor houses. Easily search by province or type of activity. Maybe you’re looking for a castle for a wedding, a museum, a restaurant, or a place for hunting and conferences? Right…
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The papal coat of arms of Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV has announced his coat of arms and motto. What does it all mean? Leo XIV, who has been the pope of the since 8 May 2025, has adopted a modified version of the coat of arms that he used during his time as a cardinal. While the Vatican press office blazoned the…
Victor Nordquist