Doesn’t the name Conde de Burnay evoke images of a bygone era? This mausoleum before you is dedicated to Henrique Burnay, the 1st Count of Burnay. He was a significant figure in 19th-century Portugal.
The Conde de Burnay was born in Lisbon in 1838. He died there in 1909. His life intertwined with finance and politics. He was known as “O Senhor Milhão” or “The Million Man.” This was due to his prominent role in the country’s economy.
Burnay started his career at João Baptista Burnay. This was his grandfather’s commercial firm. Later, he joined Carlos Kruz & Cia. In 1865, he participated in the International Exposition of the Palácio de Cristal in Porto. He partnered with Heitor Guichard. They founded Burnay & Guichard. In 1875, he founded Henry Burnay & Cia. This company played a vital role in Portugal’s economy.
The Conde de Burnay made huge investments. One notable investment was in the Companhia dos Tabacos. He obtained a monopoly. He also participated in railway ventures. This included the Real Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses. He was involved in maritime networks. These networks transported imports and exports. In 1891, he exported Port wine to London after the British ultimatum.
The Conde de Burnay also invested in other businesses. These included the Grandes Armazéns Hermínios and the Grande Hotel Central. He invested in Casa Havaneza in Lisbon and the Companhia de Navegação Tétis. He supported the Sindicato Portuense and the Empresa Industrial Portuguesa. The latter supplied war material to the Allies during World War I. He also invested in mining companies. These companies exported colonial products from Africa. He had interests in the Fábrica de Vidros da Marinha Grande and Sociedade Torlades. He invested in the Lisbon Electric Tramways Ltd. and the Jornal do Comércio. He also had interests in casinos, hotels, and spas in France.
In 1894, the Conde de Burnay was elected to parliament. He represented Pombal. This led to public debate about his nationality. He addressed these concerns in speeches. In 1900, he was elected for Setúbal. He presided over commemorative festivals. These celebrated Camões, Pombal, and Saint Anthony. He founded the Sociedade dos Albergues Nocturnos de Lisboa. He also established Vila de Santo António. This provided housing and a school for workers.
The Conde de Burnay’s Lisbon zoo was in the park of his Palácio das Laranjeiras. He also kept an art collection at his Palácio da Junqueira.
In 1863, the Conde de Burnay married Maria Amélia de Carvalho. They had nine children. In 1886, King Luís granted him the title of Conde de Burnay. He received honors. He was made a Knight of the Order of Christ. He was also a Commander of the Order of Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa. Pope Leo XIII awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.
This mausoleum stands as a testament to his vast influence and multifaceted life. The Conde de Burnay’s story is one of ambition, controversy, and significant impact on Portugal.