Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte - Viscount of the Cotentin

The title "Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte" (Lord of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte) or the Viscount of the Cotentin is a noble designation historically associated with the commune of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte in the Manche department of France. This title was prominent during the medieval period, notably held by the Néel family, who were influential in the Cotentin region. For instance, Néel II, Vicomte of Saint-Sauveur, founded the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte in the 11th century.
WIKIPEDIA

Neil de St. Sauveur III (circa 985–after 1066), also known as Nigel III, Viscount of the Cotentin, was a Norman noble and the son of Nigel de St. Sauveur II and Helena. As Viscount of the Cotentin, Neil played a significant role in Norman history, leading a rebellion against Duke William of Normandy in 1047. After his defeat, he was exiled to d’Aubigney in Brittany but later pardoned and reinstated to his estates.

Neil owned lands in Guernsey, particularly in the parishes of Torteval and St. Peter of the Wood, which formed a feudal fief tied to the title of Viscount of the Cotentin. This connection is significant because, while the title of Viscount of the Cotentin originates in Normandy, the ability to inherit and maintain noble titles in that region was abolished after the French Revolution. In contrast, Guernsey, a Crown Dependency, retained its feudal traditions and structure, including the legal framework for noble titles associated with land ownership. Thus, Neil’s land in Guernsey preserved the ancient rights tied to the title of Viscount, making the fief a rare and enduring link to the medieval feudal nobility.

Neil also fought alongside William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a pivotal event in the Norman Conquest of England. His contributions are recognized in the Battle Abbey Rolls, which list him as a commander. The Norman victory secured William’s control of England, and Neil, as one of the elite nobles supporting the conquest, was rewarded with land and lordships.

Neil’s family legacy continued through his marriage to Adela d’Ecu, with their descendants, including William D’Aubigny, playing prominent roles in English history. The family name evolved over centuries, becoming “Abney” by 1500. Today, the ancient fief in Guernsey associated with Neil de St. Sauveur III provides a tangible and legal connection to his noble title, uniquely preserving the heritage of the Viscount of the Cotentin in a way that is no longer possible in mainland France.

Over the centuries, the title passed through various noble families, including the Harcourt family. Geoffroy d'Harcourt, known as "the Lame," held the title in the 14th century and played a significant role during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War.
WIKIPEDIA

However, with the abolition of feudalism during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, noble titles and the associated privileges were officially abolished in France. Consequently, the title of Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte ceased to exist in any official capacity. While some noble titles have been retained in a ceremonial or historical context, they no longer carry legal recognition or authority.

As of today, there is no officially recognized Seigneur de Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte. The commune operates under the standard administrative structures of the French Republic, with elected officials managing local governance. At one time, the Vicomte of St. Sauveur was the owner of the feudal Fief of Thomas Blondel, whereas the Seigneur of the Fief of Blondel still accepts the feudal title of Viscount of the Contentin. The title of Viscount (Vicomte) of the Cotentin, historically associated with the Saint-Sauveur family in Normandy, France, became obsolete following the French Revolution in the late 18th century, which abolished the French nobility's privileges and titles. Since then, the title has not been officially recognized or reinstated. While descendants of the original noble families may exist, there is no current, legally recognized claimant to the title of Viscount of the Cotentin.