Nuno Álvares Pereira (governor)

Nuno Álvares Pereira (1360 – 1431), also known as Saint Nuno of Saint Mary, was a Portuguese general of great renown and a venerated figure in Portuguese history. While primarily celebrated for his military leadership during the 1383-1385 Portuguese succession crisis and his subsequent role as a military advisor, he also served as a governor, albeit that aspect of his career is less emphasized than his military achievements and later religious life.

Following the victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota, which secured Portuguese independence from Castile, Nuno Álvares Pereira was granted significant lands and titles, including the County of Ourém and the County of Arraiolos. As Count of these regions, he held gubernatorial powers, responsible for the administration and defense of these territories. This included duties such as overseeing justice, collecting taxes, and ensuring the security of the population. While details of his specific actions as governor are less documented compared to his military campaigns, it's understood he exercised these responsibilities with a focus on justice and the well-being of his subjects. He used his wealth to establish hospitals and support the poor within his jurisdiction.

Later in life, Nuno Álvares Pereira relinquished his titles and entered the Carmelite Order, taking the name Brother Nuno of Saint Mary. He dedicated the rest of his life to prayer, charity, and serving the less fortunate. He was canonized as a saint by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. Thus, his legacy as a military leader and saint often overshadows his period as a governor, even though he undoubtedly administered his lands with the same dedication and principles that characterized his military and religious life.