A dos Francos

Parish

Coat of arms

A dos Francos

Coordinates: 39°19′23″N 9°02′53″W / 39.323°N 9.048°WCoordinates: 39°19′23″N 9°02′53″W / 39.323°N 9.048°W

Country

Area

• Total

18.93 km² (7.31 sq mi)

Elevation

75 m (246 ft)

Population (2011)

• Total

1,701

• Density

90/km² (230/sq mi)

Postal code

2500

Area code

262

Patron

Nossa Senhora da Graça and São Silvestre

A dos Francos is one of twelve civil parishes (freguesias) in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 1,701, in an area of 18.93 km². It includes the settlements A dos Francos, Broeiras, Carreiros, Casais da Aramanha, Casais da Bica, Casais da Paraventa, Casais de Santa Helena, Casais Gaiolas, Casal da Palmeira, Casal das Cheiras, Casal das Sesmarias, Casal Sobreiro, Casal Pinheiro, Casal Val Covo, Salgueirinha, Santa Susana and Vila Verde de Matos.

The history and toponymy of this parish can be traced back to the French; the name, itself, evokes French ownership or dominion of this area. A dos French literally means of the French. In fact, it was Afonso Henriques, who had a hand in its nomenclature; in order to reward mercenary French crusaders who assisted his early campaigns, Afonso Henriques distributed some lands along the margins of the Tagus, living behind names that only hint at French influence, including Vila Franca and A dos Francos.

The Chapel of the Holy Spirit was constructed by the Crusaders during the 12th century, who fell within the territorial influence of Óbidos.

These foreign colonies including those in the Estremadura were favored by King Sancho, who also received complimentary immigrants from Flanders, who populated the northern parts of the Tagus.

In 1747, the population of this village included twelve homes. By 1853, the parish had amassed a small cluster of 101 homes.

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Wikipedia