King Jayme of Majorca had been unjustly deprived of his islands by his nephew Alfonso III., and, while constantly protesting, he was obliged to remain at Montpellier and Perpignan. But after he had made his peace with the Pope, Jayme of Aragon sought an interview with his uncle of Majorca, greeted him affectionately, and restored to him the Balearic Islands. Both the King of Majorca and the King of Aragon, uncle and nephew, were Jayme II., which might cause some confusion. For the next twelve years Jayme, the uncle, reigned peacefully in Majorca.
Tells how King Jayme II. at last reigned in peace, and how his page Raimondo Lulio attained the crown of martyrdom
King Jayme II. of Majorca returned to his island dominions in 1294 with fifteen years of life before him, which he devoted to the restoration of prosperity to Majorca. He was now advanced in years, and was far better fitted for peaceful administration and the work of promoting the good of his people than for steering safely through the entanglements and difficulties caused by the war between his brother and his brother-in-law of France.
His wife, Esclaramunda of Foix, was still by his side, and his children were taking their places in the world. His eldest son, Jayme, had adopted a religious life and had become a Franciscan friar. His second son, Sancho, was therefore to be his successor, and was recognised as the heir by the Cortes of Gerona in 1302. The third son, Fernando, was one of the ablest and most valorous soldiers of that chivalrous age, with honour bright as his sword. The youngest son, Felipe, entered holy orders. The two daughters married well--Isabel to the Infante Juan Manuel of Castille, and Sancha to Robert, King of Naples.
Majorca had suffered during the usurpation of young Alfonso. Her commercial interests had been neglected, and the foreign rule had been tyrannical. At the same time the population was increasing, and there was need for the foundation of towns as centres of trade and protection in the different districts. The companions of Jayme I., forming the nobility of the island, held large estates. The twenty most prominent names were:
[10]Berga ---- [10]Burgues ---- [10]Canet Viscount of Canet, 1322 Caro Marquis of Romana, 1739 Cotoner Marquis of Ariañy, cr. 1717 [10]Dameto Marquis of Bellpuig, 1625 Despuig Count of Montenegro, 1658 Fortuñy ---- [10]Morey ---- Oleza ---- [11]Puigdorfila ---- [11]Rocaberti Count of Campofranco, 1718 Sureda Count of Desbrull, 1717 [11]Santa Cilia ---- [11]Sant Marti ---- Togores Count of Ayamans, 1634 Torrella ---- Truyolls Marquis of La Torre, 1728 Villalonga ---- Zaforteza ---- [11]Gual ----