Rafael Casanova

Rafael Casanova, born in the year sixteen sixty, was a prominent Catalan lawyer and jurist who played a significant role during a tumultuous period in Spanish history. A staunch supporter of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, he aligned himself with the Habsburg claim to the Spanish throne during the War of the Spanish Succession. His commitment to this cause saw him rise to the position of mayor of Barcelona and commander in chief of Catalonia.

During the Siege of Barcelona, Casanova demonstrated remarkable leadership as he commanded La Coronela. His bravery was evident on the last day of the siege, the eleventh of September in seventeen fourteen, when he was wounded while leading a counterattack on the Saint Peter front. This pivotal moment marked a significant chapter in his life, as he faced the consequences of his allegiance to the Habsburgs.

Following the war, Casanova was granted a royal pardon for his support of the Habsburg claim. Despite his injuries, he continued to advocate against absolute monarchy, utilizing his legal expertise to fight for the rights of Catalonia. His dedication to his homeland and its autonomy remained unwavering.

It is believed that he authored the book titled 'Record de l'Aliança fet el Sereníssim Jordi Augusto Rey de la Gran Bretanya' (Remembrance of the Alliance to George I of Great Britain). In this work, he poignantly reminded England of the Treaty of Genoa and its obligations towards Catalonia, further solidifying his legacy as a defender of Catalan rights.