Scotti Douglas di Vigoleno , Napoli (Borbone)

The Scotti-Douglas family documents collectively provide a comprehensive history of a noble Italian lineage with roots in Piacenza, Turin, Naples, and San Giorgio, spanning the 17th to 20th centuries, with ties to the Bourbon dynasty and Scottish Douglas heritage. Here’s a summary of the key documents:
Genealogical Record (Scotti-Douglas and Scotti-Gallarati): The family’s lineage is traced from Count Vigoleno (1404–1414) in Naples. The Scotti-Douglas branch in Piacenza, led by figures like Federico Scotti-Douglas (died 1886) and Giuseppe Scotti (died 1839), held titles as Counts of Vigoleno and nobles of Piacenza, but became extinct by 1886. The Scotti-Gallarati branch in Turin, descending from ancient families in Monferrato and Piacenza, included Counts like Antonio Calliano (1684–1738) and Beatrice Scotti (1841–1880). Their coat of arms featured blue with silver bands and red roses.

Diploma from Charles III (1801): Issued by Charles III of Bourbon, Duke of Parma, this diploma appoints Count Luigi Douglas Scotti as Commander of the Royal Order of San Lodovico, recognizing his service as a General Brigadier to the King of Sicily. It reflects the family’s deep Bourbon ties and noble status in Naples.

Coat of Arms (Guglielmo Scotti): The heraldic emblem of Count Guglielmo Scotti of San Giorgio and Rezzanello features a quartered shield with stars, a mountain, and a heart, a unicorn crest, and mottoes like “LOCK SICKER” and “DO OR DIE,” indicating Scottish Douglas heritage and noble pride.

Ecclesiastical and Military Appointments: This record details family members’ roles: Michele Scotti (1832) as Prelate Domestic and Delegate Apostolic of Perugia, and Luciano Curterelli-Scotti as a Brigadier in the Two Sicilies. They received honors like the Order of the Austrian Iron Crown, showing their influence in the Papal States and Austrian service.

Giuseppe Scotti’s History: Giuseppe Scotti, son of Marquis Filippo, served under Charles III in Naples, becoming a Count and Knight of the Order of Charles III. His son Luigi, also a Knight of the same order, was a Captain of the Guard in the Two Sicilies. Luigi’s daughters, Enrichetta and Rosina, married into the Altieri family, strengthening noble ties.

Libro d’Oro Entry (1995–1999): This record traces Federico Scotti Douglas (1819–1898), Count of Vigoleno, and his descendants in Piacenza and Naples. Federico’s sons, Francesco (1850–1908) and Federico (1857–1898), continued the line, with later generations like Federico (1942–1991) in San Giorgio, showing the family’s persistence into the 20th century.

Garibaldi, corruzione ... by Alfio Caruso: This text highlights Luigi Scotti Douglas’s role during the 1860 siege of Gaeta, where he led 800 Bourbon troops against Piedmontese forces during Garibaldi’s Expedition of the Thousand. It exposes corruption (e.g., 1,250,000 francs misappropriated), bribery, and violence in the unification process, noting Luigi’s loyalty to the Bourbons, his post-Gaeta service, and his critical letter to Cavour.

Overall Significance: The Scotti-Douglas family’s history reflects their noble titles (Counts of Vigoleno, San Giorgio), military service (e.g., Luigi’s role in Gaeta), ecclesiastical roles (e.g., Michele Scotti), and Bourbon allegiance, as seen in honors like the Order of San Lodovico and Order of Charles III. Their Scottish Douglas roots, evident in heraldic mottoes, and strategic marriages (e.g., with the Altieri and Savoia families) ensured their influence across centuries, despite the challenges of Italian unification. Their legacy, documented in the "Libro d’Oro," underscores their enduring aristocratic status into the modern era.