Electronic Supplement to
Solving the Mystery: The 21 October 1880 Portuguese Earthquake

by José R. Ribeiro, Ana I. Ribeiro, and Ana P. Correia

This electronic supplement contains newspaper accounts (together with accounts from other sources) that were relevant to make the intensity estimates for the 21 October 1880 earthquake that are in Table 1.

Relevant Accounts of the Earthquake (for Table 1)

  1. LEÓN (Spain)
    El Porvenir de León, León17: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Thursday, at a quarter past eight in the morning, a small earthquake was felt in this city. There were felt three shocks. The first had four oscillations, the last two shocks had two oscillations each with a little interval between them. Fortunately, their duration was so small that only those we were in bed took notice of the shocks.

    El Imparcial, Madrid12: 25 October 1880, p. 1

    Thursday, the earthquake was also felt in León and other provincial capitals with the particularity that in this city three shocks were felt fortunately without consequences.

    Reproduced in El Guadalete (Jérez de la Frontera)12, 27 October 1880, and El Bien Público (Mahon)17, 29 October 1880.

  2. PONTEVEDRA (Spain)
    El Imparcial, Madrid12: 26 October 1880, p. 2

    Thursday’s earthquake was also felt in Pontevedra. In some houses, there were objects that felt from the places where they stand.

    La Correspondencia de España, Madrid17: 25 October 1880, p. 1

    The earthquake was also felt in Pontevedra in the same day that was felt in Madrid. In some houses, in the moment of the shock the objects moved from the places where they were.

    Reproduced in Diario Oficial de Avisos de Madrid (Madrid)12, 26 October 1880; La Opinion (Palma de Mallorca)17, 27 October 1880; and El Timón (Palma de Mallorca)17, 29 October 1880.

  3. BURGOS (Spain)
    El Heraldo de Castilla, Burgos17: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    The newspapers from Valladolid tell that the day before yesterday, at 7 o’clock in the morning, a small earthquake was felt in that provincial capital with a duration of two or three seconds being noticed by many persons. Also in Burgos, at the same hour, the phenomenon was noticed with slight movements of trepidation that lasted for a few seconds.

  4. VIGO (Spain)
    La Concordia, Vigo12: 21 October 1880

    At 6:30 of today’s morning, a slight earthquake was felt in this city.

    Based on Gaceta de Galicia (Santiago de Compostela)12, 22 October 1880, and Diario de Lugo (Lugo)17, 24 October 1880.

    Faro de Vigo, Vigo1: 21 October 1880, p. 2

    Today, by 6:30 in the morning, an earthquake was felt in this city lasting for about ten seconds.

    Faro de Vigo, Vigo1: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    At 6:30 in the morning, my bed danced in consequence of a lasting earthquake.

  5. TUI (Spain)
    El Fénix, Madrid—28 October 1880, p. 3

    Last Thursday, a slight earthquake of short duration was felt in Tui according to the newspaper of that capital.

    Reproduced from Rodríguez de la Torre, F. (1990a)5.

  6. VALENÇA (Portugal)
    O Valenciano, Valença13: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    A violent earthquake was felt at 6:35 of this morning; the second shock inspired great fears because it was one of the greatest that we have been felt.

    Reproduced in O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 22 October 1880; Diário de Notícias (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; O Tribuno Popular (Coimbra)7, 23 October 1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; and A Revolução de Setembro (Lisboa)16, 24 October 1880.

    O Noticioso, Valença13: 22 October 1880

    By 6 o’clock of yesterday, a violent earthquake was felt here.

    Based on O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

  7. BENAVENTE (Spain)
    La Correspondencia de España, Madrid17: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    Zamora, 21. This morning, between half past six and seven o´clock, a slight earthquake was felt in this city and in the town of Benavente not causing injury to persons or damage to buildings.

    Also issued in many other Spanish and in several Portuguese newspapers.

    Gabriel Puig y Larraz (1883), pp. 171–172

    At seven o’clock in the morning of Thursday, 21 October 1880, a slight earthquake was felt in Zamora and Benavente and in some intermediate villages near the Esla course whose duration was estimated at about four to six seconds. The direction in which the two shocks were experienced was from SE to NW approximately.

  8. CAMINHA (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Caminha, 22. Yesterday, 21, almost 7 o’clock in the morning, this town also felt two earthquakes one after another the second being stronger than the first but short-lived. Many people felt nothing.

  9. MONTALEGRE (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 3

    Earthquake on the 21st at 6:40 in the morning.

  10. VILA PRAIA DE ÂNCORA (Portugal)
    A Aurora do Lima, Viana do Castelo11: 3 November 1880

    Gontinhães, 3. The earthquake that recently was felt in several places of the country was also felt here but little sharply.

    (NOTE: Gontinhães was then the name for Vila Praia de Âncora.)

  11. BRAGANÇA (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Bragança, 21. Today, at 6:45 in the morning an earthquake was felt here whose oscillations seemed to be from east to west. Fortunately, there were no other consequences unless the natural fright.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 29 October 1880, p. 1

    Bragança, 26. It was felt in this city on the 21st of the current month around seven o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake. The turmoil produced by this terrible geological phenomenon was in some parts of the city so great that in some buildings were opened wide cracks. Fortunately there was no disgrace to regret. There were two oscillations, and the earthquake lasted about six seconds.

    Reproduced in Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 30 October 1880.

  12. PONTE DE LIMA (Portugal)
    Commercio do Lima, Ponte de Lima10: 27 October 1880, p. 3

    At 6:40 of the morning of 21 of the current month, in this town a violent earthquake was felt lasting approximately 8 seconds. We weren’t capable of determining the direction of the two oscillations being the second more lasting and more violent than the first. This geological phenomenon frightened many people which is natural. Fortunately, there are no damages, nor misfortunes to lament.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 27 October 1880, p. 2

    Ponte de Lima, 23. The earthquake that our country’s press has been reporting was also felt here scaring everyone for their violence.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Ponte de Lima, 22. A violent earthquake was felt here this morning which was repeated with a small interval and with lower intensity. It as preceded by a undergound noise resembling the rumble of a distant thunder. The earthquake happened at 7 o’clock and scared enough those who felt it by its violence and duration. Does not appear however that there was any damage.

    O Echo do Lima, Ponte de Lima10: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    Thursday morning, by a quarter to 7 a transient earthquake was felt in this town which seemed to go from north to south.

  13. CHAVES (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 24 October 1880, pp. 1–2

    Chaves, 22. Yesterday, at 6:40 minutes in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this town which lasted about 6 seconds. Part of a house (the dining room) collapsed but did not cause any misfortune. Some people say that at 2, others at 4 a.m., there was another shock. It seems that the shock was from south to north.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 28 October 1880, p. 2

    Chaves, 26. At 6:45 in the morning of 21 of the current month was felt an earthquake in this town which thankfully lasted for a very short time and there is no disgrace to regret. It fell just a mud of a room in Rua de Santa Maria.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 31 October 1880, p. 1

    Chaves, 27. On 21 of the current month was also felt here a violent earthquake which lasted about ten seconds. It was at 6 o’clock in the morning that was produced such terrifying phenomenon bringing the wonder and the fear to the spirits of all. Fortunately there was no disgraces to regret.

  14. VIANA DO CASTELO (Portugal)
    A Aurora do Lima, Viana do Castelo11: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, about o’clock in the morning two sucessive earthquakes were felt in this city being the last very violent but of short duration. We haven’t heard of any damage at all.

    Reproduced in O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 26 October 1880, p. 2

    Viana do Castelo, 24. On Thursday morning, would be 7 o’clock this city felt two almost instantaneous earthquakes but of short duration. The shock was very violent but without dire consequences as far as we know.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 29 October 1880, p. 1

    Viana do Castelo, 26. On Thursday (21) around 7 o’clock in the morning were felt here two successive earthquakes one of which, the later, came to startle many people. There were no major incidents.

  15. VALLADOLID (Spain)
    La Correspondencia de España, Madrid17: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    The earthquake was also felt in Valladolid at the same hour that in Madrid.

    Reproduced in El Timón (Palma de Mallorca)17, 25 October 1880.

    El Heraldo de Castilla, Burgos17: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    The newspapers from Valladolid tell that the day before yesterday at 7 o’clock in the morning a small earthquake was felt in that provincial capital with a duration of two or three seconds being noticed by many persons.

  16. VIDAGO (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 27 October 1880, p. 2

    Vidago, 25. On 21, it would be almost 7 o’clock in the morning there was here a strong earthquake which fortunately according to the informations I have didn´t cause damages.

  17. BRAGA (Portugal)
    O Progresso, Lisboa16: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 21. They say from Braga that by 6:30 in the morning an earthquake was felt causing damage in several houses.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Braga, 21. A powerful earthquake was felt here today shortly after 6 o’clock in the morning. Was so violent that many people ran into the street shouting: Holy God! Mercy! Fortunately, it does not appear to have caused damage.

    O Commercio do Minho, Braga14: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Thursday, by 6:30 in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this city lasting for a few seconds.

    Reproduced in O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

    A Correspondência do Norte, Braga14: 23 October 1880.

    Last Thursday, by 6 ½ hours of the morning there were two earthquakes the second lasting more than 5 seconds; the quake appeared to be east–west. It caused a great scare to the people of this city.

  18. ZAMORA (Spain)
    La Correspondencia de España, Madrid17: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    Zamora, 21. This morning, between half past six and seven o’clock a slight earthquake was felt in this city and in the town of Benavente not causing injury to persons or damage to buildings.

    Also issued in many other Spanish and in several Portuguese newspapers.

    Gabriel Puig y Larraz (1883), pp. 171–172.

    At seven in the morning of Thursday, 21 October 1880, a slight earthquake was felt in Zamora and Benavente and in some intermediate villages near the Esla course whose duration was estimated at about four to six seconds. The direction in which the two shocks were experienced was from SE to NW approximately.

  19. GUIMARÃES (Portugal)
    O Dez de Março, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Guimarães, 21. Today, around 7 o’clock in the morning an earthquake was felt in this city that lasted about twenty seconds.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    From Guimarães our dear correspondent also communicates that by 6 and a half hours of the morning there was felt a strong earthquake which lasted about 15 seconds. Not known to produce damage having only the Igreja da Misericórdia some fallen plaster ceiling.

    O Primeiro de Janeiro, Porto16: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    Guimarães, 22. Were nothing less than two the earthquakes that were felt yesterday morning—one at 6 and half and another stronger because it lasted about 15 seconds around seven o’clock. They came from east to west.

    We don’t have fortunately to lament misfortunes only knowing that the parish church of S. Miguel de Caldas de Vizela in this municipality opened some cracks threatening ruin.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 27 October 1880, p. 1

    Guimarães, 25. Last Thursday, by 6 o’clock in the morning, were felt three earthquakes, the strongest lasting for 6 or 7 seconds. There are no misfortunes to mourn, besides the big scare and some cracks in some houses in Caldas de Vizela.

    O Progresso, Lisboa16: 4 November 1880, p. 2

    In the morning of 21st of October, an earthquake was felt in Guimarães and Caldas de Vizela. There were shocks separated by a few seconds. They were very small but still scared a lot of people.

  20. FAMALICÃO (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Famalicão, 21. At 6:45 this morning, a quite violent earthquake was felt here; there were two shocks separated by a very small interval; its direction was as it seems from west to east and the houses did oscillate strongly being more with the second than with the first concussion. Fortunately, it only caused panic in all those who felt it without as far as we know nothing to regret.

  21. PÓVOA DE VARZIM (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Peso da Régua, 21. Today, by 6:40 in the morning a small earthquake was felt in this town. In Póvoa do Varzim happened the same event.

    O Commercio da Povoa, Póvoa de Varzim8: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    By seven o’clockof the morning of 21 of the current month two shocks of an earthquake were felt separated by only two seconds.

    Estrela Povoense, Póvoa de Varzim8: 24 October 1880

    On the 21st of this month, at seven o’clock in the morning were felt in this town two strong earthquakes that terrified everyone who realized them. The second was more violent than the first and between one and another was a short range. Fortunately, there were no extraordinary events worthy of mention unless the oscillation of frames, tableware and other furniture, and the much scare that this phenomenon produced in all who witnessed it. In the parishes nearby this village they were also felt.

  22. CALDAS DE VIZELA (Portugal)
    O Primeiro de Janeiro, Porto16: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    Guimarães, 22. Were nothing less than two the earthquakes that were felt yesterday morning—one at 6 and half and another stronger because it lasted about 15 seconds around seven o’clock. They came from east to west.

    We don’t have fortunately to lament misfortunes only knowing that the parish church of S. Miguel de Caldas de Vizela in this municipality opened some cracks threatening ruin.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 27 October 1880, p. 1

    Guimarães, 25. Last Thursday, by 6 o’clock in the morning were felt three earthquakes the strongest lasting for 6 or 7 seconds. There are no misfortunes to mourn besides the big scare and some cracks in some houses in Caldas de Vizela.

    O Progresso, Lisboa16: 4 October 1880, p. 2

    In the morning of 21st of October, an earthquake was felt in Guimarães and Caldas de Vizela. There were shocks separated by a few seconds. They were very small but still scared a lot of people.

  23. FELGUEIRAS (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 27 October 1880, p. 2

    Felgueiras, 25. Was also felt here on 21 by 6:50 in the morning as in many other parts of the country an earthquake with two shocks in a short interval with some duration and very strong. Fortunately, caused no damage here; but caused much scare.

  24. SANTO TIRSO (Portugal)
    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 5. November 1880, p. 2

    Santo Tirso, 31. A great storm has succeded to the earthquake felt here with violence by 6:50 of the morning of 21.

  25. VILA REAL (Portugal)
    O Commercio de Vila Real, Vila Real—22 October 1880

    Yesterday, by 7 o’clock in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this town and the surrounding villages which lasted a few seconds. We are told that in some places this phenomenon left traces of its passage. Some people fled their homes frightened feeling the shock; the same happened to those watching the masses in the temples. For many years here wasn’t felt such a violent earthquake.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 24 October 1880, and O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

  26. MAIA (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    From the municipality of Maia a friend of ours informs that the earthquake there also became very noticed because the two shocks by its violence and duration arrived in causing quite scare.

  27. PENAFIEL (Portugal)
    O Penafidelense, Penafiel18: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 7 o’clock in the morning two small earthquakes were felt in this city with an interval of a few seconds between them. To our knowledge the only damage they caused was scare in some of the people who felt them.

    Reproduced in O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880, and A Nação (Lisboa)7, 24 October 1880.

    O Commercio de Penafiel, Penafiel18: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    It would be 7 o’clock in the morning of 21 when the residents of this city felt truly impressed with a very violent earthquake followed by another almost immediately.Not lacking in truth many scares and even some more nerve ladies bother with this tremor that according to opinions was the longest of the few that we have felt in this locality. Many inhabitants on that occasion left their homes and others intended to do it if this rather appalling state continued.

    Reproduced in O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 24 October 1880, and A Nação (Lisboa)7, 24 October 1880.

  28. MATOSINHOS (Portugal)
    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 6:40 in the morning two earthquakes were felt—the first was more violent than the second—in this city with half a minute of interval between them. Both the first and the second quake were from east to west with a duration of 15 seconds.

    In Vila Nova de Gaia, Foz do Douro and Matosinhos the underground commotion was also felt with equal violence if not greater than that experienced in Oporto.

  29. TORRE DE MONCORVO (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 3.

    Earthquake on the 21st at 6:40 in the morning.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

  30. PESO DA RÉGUA (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Peso da Régua, 21. Today, at 6 ¾ a fairly strong earthquake was felt: there were three successive concussions lasting for a minute from west to east that did oscillate the tallest houses mainly mine the tallest of the street which trembled strongly instilling fear and dread as it creaked so it seemed to tear apart. Fortunately, the panic passed and my familly settled down.

    Reproduced in O Tribuno Popular (Coimbra)7, 23 October 1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; O Commercio da Povoa (Póvoa de Varzim)8, 24, October 1880; and A Revolução de Setembro (Lisboa)16, 27 October 1880.

    O Primeiro de Janeiro, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Peso da Régua, 21. Today, at 6 and half in the morning a strong earthquake was felt here which lasted for maybe 20 seconds. The beds and the furniture strongly shaken by the shock did oscillate in such a way that many people run out of the houses screaming. There were houses where dishes broke in the closets. Fortunately, it seems that the phenomenon produced nothing more than scare.

    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Peso da Régua, 21. Today, by 6:40 in the morning a small earthquake was felt in this town.

    Reproduced in O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

    Jornal da Regoa, Peso da Régua—22(?) October 1880

    Last Thursday, around 7 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this town as there is no memory. The quake lasted a few seconds and was so strong that some objects moved from where they were placed and there were places where the bells of the houses touched driven by the concussion suffered. The population was frightened.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 24 October 1880, and O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

  31. FOZ DO DOURO (Portugal)
    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 6:40 in the morning two earthquakes were felt—the first was more violent than the second—in this city with half a minute of interval between them. Both the first and the second quake were from east to west with a duration of 15 seconds.

    In Vila Nova de Gaia, Foz do Douro and Matosinhos the underground commotion was also felt with equal violence if not greater than that experienced in Oporto.

    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 27 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 22. The earth did quake, and it was not small the panic that yesterday morning an earthquake spread, stronger than what my members support, and it seems that, according to some people out there say, at 1 p.m., a slight oscillation was also felt. No misforturnes are known; at the top of Foz do Douro, however, was overturned at the first shock a chimney with a great noise, belonging to the Baron of Roeda.

  32. PORTO (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 4

    Two strong earthquakes, on the 21st, at 6:40 a.m., in the direction N-S.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    O Dez de Março, Porto16: 21 October 1880, p. 2

    Today, at 6:35 in the morning an extremely violent earthquake was felt in this city in the north–south direction lasting for 2 seconds. It has been a long time since we have felt the ground oscillating so strongly. Fortunately, to our knowledge there is no damage to regret.

    A Lucta, Porto16: 21 October 1880, p. 2

    This morning, around a quarter to 7 two strong shocks of an earthquake were felt in this city separated by 4 to 5 seconds.

    In consequence of these violent shocks we were told that in Campo 24 de Agosto the building numbered 170–172 is in iminent ruin a fact that has been already reported to the municipal authority to proceed with the demolition without loss of time so that there is no misfortune to regret.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, at 6:40 in the morning, an earthquake was felt in this city that seems to be echoed across the kingdom. The oscillations were horizontal and in the north–south direction. Two shocks were felt separated by a short interval being the second shock the most violent; the duration of each one can be estimated in 5 seconds. As in all earthquakes the yesterday’s was preceded by a muted underground noise similar to a typhoon when it crosses the atmosphere.

    In all the houses the earthquake was felt not only because of the agitation of the floors but also by the rumble of windows and furniture which caused a generalized fear that manifested itself in very different ways. Thus, in some homes rose a distressing shouting; other residents ran in fright and still others went headlong into the street fearing find grave under the rubble of their homes.

    As far as we know the geological phenomenon did not cause disasters or damage of importance; just in Rua das Congostas it accelerated the demolition of the rear of a building which is to be expropriated.

    Reproduced in O Tribuno Popular (Coimbra)7, 23 October 1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; and O Commercio da Povoa (Póvoa de Varzim)8, 24 October 1880

    Jornal da Manhã, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, at 7 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this city that lasted for three seconds.

    O Primeiro de Janeiro, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Yesterday, around a quarter to 7 in this city a violent earthquake was felt lasting about four seconds and soon followed by another even more stronger and with a greater duration. The direction of the shaken was from west to east producing great noise within the houses and scaring their residents. Some women frightened by the phenomenon came screaming into the streets.

    Fortunately, with the exception of the iminent ruin of the building numbered 170–172 of Campo 24 de Agosto the earthquake only caused damage of little or no importance.

    In this town a long time ago that it was not felt such a violent earthquake.

    Reproduced in Estrella Povoense (Póvoa de Varzim)8, 31 October 1880.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 6:40 in the morning two earthquakes were felt—the first was more violent than the second—in this city with half a minute of interval between them. Both the first and the second quake were from east to west with a duration of 15 seconds.

    A Palavra, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Yesterday morning, by 6 and a half hours this city felt a very violent earthquake which lasted about three seconds and that after a very short interval was repeated by another even more violent and more lasting. Within the houses the windows, the objects and even the wooden struts came to make such a noise that many people were frightened and with justified grounds. Since a long time that in that entire area to the north of the city land hadn’t such a strong tremor. Fortunately, its duration was almost momentary but despite this the scare produced by him we believe that more or less affected all that felt it. The movement seemed following west–east. To our knowledge no misfortune was caused.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Yesterday, at 7:40 in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this city which lasted approximately two seconds. After a short interval, we felt another jolt more violent than the first. It lasted about three seconds. As one can assume, this geological phenomenon caused much scare; in Rua de Cedofeita the tenants of a house fled to the backyard screaming numb with fear. The movement of the earthquake was from north to south. Fortunately, it seems that no misfortune was caused.

    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 21. Today, by 6:45 in the morning, two successive earthquakes were felt in this city one slight and the other a bit violent in the direction north to south lasting for 2 seconds. The oscillations rocked a building in Campo 24 de Agosto and collapsed part of the rear of a house in demolition at the Rua das Cangostas. Aside from this there is no evidence of other damage. The scare was big and many people came out to the street.

    Diario Illustrado, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Porto, 21. There was today’s morning a violent earthquake that lasted for two seconds. There was a small collapse of a house on Rua das Congostas getting also very shaken a building in Campo 24 de Agosto. There was great panic.

    O Progresso, Lisboa16: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 21. In Porto, at 6 ¾ hours two shocks were felt being the second the most violent causing great panic. Some buildings were left ruined.

    Democracia, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 21. A violent earthquake was felt today at 7 o’clock in the morning. This geological phenomenon caused much impression. In some places, the superstitious and pious womenfolk begged in an unbearable yelling the mercy of God.

    A Nação, Lisboa7: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    In Porto some buildings suffered damage.

    O Espectro da Granja, Lisboa13: 24 October 1880, p. 4

    Porto, 22. Yesterday, a violent earthquake was felt in this city causing some damage in homes that left ruined. There was widespread fear and some people fled to the street.

    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 27 October 1880, p. 1

    Porto, 22. The earth did quake and it was not small the panic that yesterday morning an earthquake spread stronger than what my members support and it seems that according to some people out there say at 1 p.m. a slight oscillation was also felt. No misfortunes are known; at the top of Foz do Douro, however, was overturned at the first shock a chimney with a great noise belonging to the Baron of Roeda.

  33. VILA NOVA DE GAIA (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    The earthquake was felt in some places with more intensity than in others especially in Vila Nova de Gaia where its effects regarding to scare were very pronounced.

    Reproduced in O Tribuno Popular (Coimbra)7, 23.10.1880, and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23.10.1880.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 6:40 in the morning two earthquakes were felt—the first was more violent than the second—in this city with half a minute of interval between them. Both the first and the second quake were from east to west with a duration of 15 seconds.

    In Vila Nova de Gaia, Foz do Douro and Matosinhos the underground commotion was also felt with equal violence if not greater than that experienced in Oporto.

    A Lucta, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Vila Nova de Gaia, 22. At 7 o’clock in the morning of 21, in the occasion that the earthquake was felt a boy mason fell from the same work (where yesterday there was an accident) fortunately only suffering the scare.

  34. TABUAÇO (Portugal)
    Choffat, P., and A. Bensaude (1912), p. 86

    Answer to the question about earlier earthquakes, of the inquiry about the Benavente earthquake of 1909: “Around 28 years ago, at 7 o’clock in the morning, an earthquake with an approximately equal intensity.”

    (NOTE: In 1909, the intensity was III or IV.)

  35. LAMEGO (Portugal)
    Beira e Douro, Lamego—23(?) October 1880

    Thursday, by 7 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt that terrified everyone. Some families had big scares. As a result of this earthquake one of the walls of the church of Senhora dos Remédios got cracks. We were told that some dwelling houses suffered some damage. The houses and their furniture was abruptly shaken getting some furniture to fall. For many years we haven’t felt such a violent phenomenon. Fortunately there were no disasters we have to register.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 26 October 1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 26 October 1880; and O Primeiro de Janeiro (Porto)16, 26 October 1880.

    Jornal de Lamego, Lamego—27 October 1880

    On Thursday, at 6:38 in the morning a big earthquake was felt. The oscillations were violent; fortunately lasted a few seconds and repeated twice mediating an invaluable range. As a result of this earthquake which frightened so much the inhabitants of this city is splitted one of the walls of the frontispicies of the majestic temple of the Lady of Remedies. This crack starts at the entablature of the cornice has about 1 cm wide and 6 to 7 meters of length more or less. At some points of the exterior walls have fallen pieces of mortar from the joint of the works. In some dwelling houses there was some damage but only minor.

    Based on A Palavra (Porto)16, 30 October1880.

  36. SALAMANCA (Spain)
    El Crepúsculo, Palencia4: 21 October 1880, p. 2

    Salamanca, 21. Today, at 7 o’clock in the morning a small earthquake was felt in this city. The shaken was short. Misfortunes did not happen.

    El Eco de Salamanca, Salamanca17: 1 November 1880, p. 3

    At a quarter past seven in the morning, in the month that ended yesterday like in other places of the Iberian Peninsula a slight earthquake was felt in this city. Many people were unaware of this phenomenon.

  37. OVAR (Portugal)
    Jornal da Manhã, Porto16: 28 October 1880, p. 2

    Ovar. They were also felt, in this town by 7 o’clock in the morning of 21 two violent shocks of an earthquake; several families have fled their homes fearing they collapse.

  38. OLIVEIRA DE AZEMÉIS (Portugal)
    A Verdade, Oliveira de Azeméis—23 October 1880

    Last Thursday, a formidable earthquake was felt that for more than 60 seconds had the inhabitants of this village with a terrible impression. In some houses there was a sharp crack due to the shaking of the walls and the furniture swayed as on a ship deck. It was the most lasting and violent earthquake felt for many years ago. It would be 6 and a half hours of the morning when a distant whisper was heard and then a violent tremor which decreased to be felt again until it passed.

    Based on A Actualidade (Porto)16, 26 October 1880, and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 27 October 1880.

  39. PINHEL (Portugal)
    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 29 October 1880, p. 1

    Pinhel, 22. Yesterday, a fairly strong earthquake was felt in this city but of short duration.

  40. VOUZELA (Portugal)
    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    From Vouzela, writes our correspondent saying that by 8 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt there which lasted about twenty seconds crossing the whole valley of Lafões but without causing any appreciable disaster perhaps because of the good lay of the land and excellent construction of houses; yet the residents that were in bed at that hour run out for fright thinking they arrived at their final hours.

  41. AVELÃS DA RIBEIRA, PINHEL (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 26 October 1880, p. 2

    Avelãs da Ribeira, 21. Today, by 7 o’clock in the morning after a deaf underground rumor a strong earthquake was felt here in the direction from north to south lasting for more than 2 seconds. It caused great scare to the residents or this region and was also felt in Guarda which is 16 km to the South.

  42. VISEU (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis— (1880), p. 4

    Earthquake on the 21st at 6:30 a.m.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    Jornal de Viseu, Viseu—21 October 1880

    Today, at 6 and three quarters in the morning was felt in this city the most violent earthquake that live people have memory. The duration cannot be estimated at less than 30 seconds. The quake was more directed horizontally—from northwest to southeast. Accompanied it a big rumor. On the news that we have collected today we know that was felt with equal violence in some villages of this municipality. Many people came out to the streets and backyards fearing repetition.

    Based on O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

    O Viriato, Viseu13: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    By 6 and half of the yesterday morning, the inhabitants of this city were startled by one of the most violent earthquakes in living memory. It lasted for three seconds and in some houses many glass objects and dishes were broken.

    For now, fortunately, there are no misfortunes or collapses to regret only are noticed some pretty cracked buildings.

    Reproduced in O Commercio do Porto (Porto)16, 24 October 1880; A Nação (Lisboa)7, 24 October 1880; Jornal da Manhã (Porto)16, 24 October 1880; A Lucta (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; and A Palavra (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

  43. AVEIRO (Portugal)
    Districto de Aveiro, Aveiro—21 October 1880

    Today, at 6 ¾ in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this city. Fortunately, its duration was short; otherwise we would have to regret big woes. The oscillations were from north to south.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 22 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; O Tribuno Popular (Coimbra)7, 23 October1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; and A Revolução de Setembro (Lisboa)16, 23 October 1880.

    O Diario Popular, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    In Aveiro, it was also felt the earthquake the day before yesterday.

    O Campeão das Províncias, Aveiro—23 October 1880

    On Thursday, in this city by 6 hours and three quarters in the morning a strong earthquake was felt which lasted nearly five seconds in the direction from north to south. The panic was general because the oscillations were large reaching to fender some buildings and unbalancing some furniture which shattered. The faithful who were hearing mass in the Igreja da Apresentação run frightened to the street since even some plaster felt from the ceiling. Some people say that at 1 a.m. a slight concussion was also felt.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 26 October 1880, and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 27 October1880.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 24 October 1880

    Aveiro, 21. Today at half past six in the morning was felt in the city from end to end an earthquake that lasted only a few seconds. Still in the fish market where the terrain is less firm some paving stones slid the women had a big scare and let voice yells, river boats strangely swung and also in homes the commotion was not small, second reportedly says everyone with whom we shall find in today. Who writes these lines had the fortune of not feeling nor the slightest sign of concussion. Having arisen at six o’clock I was in the rail station just before the concussion was felt and then I went into a friend’s house where it took me about half an hour while here or on the way I didn’t realize anything. God grant that always give me these coincidences because these are things I much respect.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 26 October 1880, p. 1

    Aveiro, 24. The population of this city was startled on Thursday at 6 hours and three quarters in the morning by a strong earthquake which lasted almost five seconds in the direction from north to south still feeling an underground noise. The panic was general because the oscillations were large reaching to fender some buildings and unbalancing some furniture which shattered. In the fish market some stones were moved. The faithful who were hearing mass in the temples run frightened to the street since even some plaster felt in the Igreja da Apresentação.

    Some people say that at 1 a.m. a slight concussion was also felt. In the beaches the morning earthquake was also felt remarkably. The same happened in almost all the district, fortunately, without causing misfortunes nor damages.

  44. PRAIA DA COSTA NOVA, ÍLHAVO (Portugal)
    A Actualidade, Porto16: 26 October 1880, p. 1

    Aveiro, 24. In the beaches the morning earthquake was also felt remarkably.

  45. ÁGUEDA (Portugal)
    Soberania do Povo, Águeda—21 October 1880

    By 7 o’clock of today’s morning in this town was felt a violent earthquake which lasted approximately 12 seconds putting in big scare its inhabitants. Many who were still in bed fled in terror to the streets some in shirt others wrapped in blankets and sheets and some were even seen as our first parents.

    Based on Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; Jornal da Manhã (Porto)16, 23 October1880; and A Actualidade (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

  46. GUARDA (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 5.

    Earthquake on the 21st at 7:15 a.m.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Guarda, 21. Here the earthquake was at 7 o’clock in the morning, duration of 10 to 12 seconds. Violent shock. Several buildings show cracks. Another shock was felt later. Great alarm.

    Reproduced in O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 22 October 1880; A Actualidade (Porto)16, 22 October 1880 and 23 October 1880; O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; A Lucta (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 23 October 1880; and A Palavra (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

    Diario de Portugal, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Guarda, 21. By 7 o’clock an earthquake was felt here which lasted for 6 to 7 seconds. There were no disasters to regret.

    A Lucta, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 22. From Guarda and Figueiró dos Vinhos, we have been receiving telegrams telling that yesterday’s earthquake was felt in these localities with great violence.

    Districto da Guarda, Guarda13: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Thursday, by seven o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this city that lasted for approximately six seconds and that seemed to us following the direction from north to south. Besides the panic that this terrible phenomenon so fortunately rare in this region produced in all minds to our knowledge no great damage was caused despite its long duration. It is said that by two o’ clock of the night there was another shock but with a less considerable duration.

    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 26 October 1880, p. 1

    The earthquake that lately was violently felt in the province of Beira reached to fell in some houses and walls especially in Guarda and Gouveia. People who live in the cathedral of Guarda say the shock he experienced by that immense granite mole was so strong that if it had a moment longer duration would turn in ruins the most precious monument of the province of Beira Alta.

    Reproduced in O Primeiro de Janeiro (Porto)16, 28 October 1880.

  47. GOUVEIA (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 26 October 1880, p. 1

    The earthquake that lately was violently felt in the province of Beira reached to fell in some houses and walls especially in Guarda and Gouveia. People who live in the cathedral of Guarda say the shock he experienced by that immense granite mole was so strong that if it had a moment longer duration would turn in ruins the most precious monument of the province of Beira Alta.

    Reproduced in O Primeiro de Janeiro (Porto)16, 28 October 1880.

  48. FERREIROS, ANADIA (Portugal)
    O Campeão das Províncias, Aveiro—23 October 1880

    Ferreiros (Anadia). On Thursday 21, by 6:40 in the morning a great earthquake was felt in this village which lasted for 15 seconds. The locals got very startled for not having memory of another equal. Fortunately, there was no damage or misfortunes to lament.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 26 October 1880, and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 27 October 1880.

  49. MIRA (Portugal)
    O Progressista, Coimbra7: 24 October 1880, p. 3

    Mira, 21. Today, by 7 o’clock in the morning three shocks of an earthquake were felt here; with the second shock which was violent some walls unbalanced and in the pharmacies the bottles hit each other and broke up. It was never felt here before an earthquake with such great intensity. It lasted for ten to fifteen seconds.

    Reproduced in O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 26 October 1880.

  50. MADRID (Spain)
    La Correspondencia de España, Madrid17: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    This morning at seven o’clock, a slight earthquake was felt in Madrid which lasted for six seconds approximately being more perceived in the city center. Although the phenomenon have caused some alarm its short duration calmed the tempers and there was no serious incident to regret.

    Also issued in many other Spanish and in several Portuguese newspapers.

    El Imparcial, Madrid12: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Some people say that yesterday morning there was in Madrid an earthquake that lasted for a few seconds. The oscillation was from north to south and there was any disgrace to lament.

    Reproduced in El Guadalete (Jérez de la Frontera)12, 24 October 1880.

    El Siglo Futuro, Madrid12: 22 October 1880, p. 4

    Last night, El Diario Español said: “This morning, at seven o’clock several persons from this capital felt a slight earthquake, which lasted for a few seconds. The oscilation was from North to South.”

    We may add that a dear partner from our editorial office who unfortunately had occasion to experience these phenomena in various parts of the globe and that is great observer and amateur of studies of this nature gave us this note:Looking at the clock the quake occurred at seven. The oscilations were from South to North; the duration, five seconds as it did five regular oscillations. The doors there are ajar continued to move and to screak for a few seconds after the quake.

    El Fénix, Madrid—22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday morning, short before seven o’ clock a slight earthquake was felt in Madrid lasting for six seconds.

    Reproduced from Rodríguez de la Torre, F. (1990a)5, p. 676.

    El Comercio, Cádiz17: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    Madrid, 21. Early this morning has been here a slight earthquake according to everyone says because I’ve felt nothing. At the time it happened the phenomenon I was sleeping and it would not be a very strong thing since it did not wake me.

  51. MANTEIGAS (Portugal)
    Choffat, P., and A. Bensaude (1912), p. 86.

    Answer to the question about earlier earthquakes, of the inquiry about the Benavente earthquake of 1909: “In 1883, at 6 o’clock in the morning a much more stronger earthquake.”

    (NOTE: In 1909, the intensity was IV–V. In 1883, no earthquake was felt in Manteigas at about 6 a.m., so, almost certainly the response refers to the 21 October 1880 earthquake.)

  52. SEPINS, CANTANHEDE (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 5 November 1880, p. 1

    Sepins, 31. We also had here the earthquake in the proportions and time already mentioned in this newspaper.

    (NOTE: In the original, a typographical error changed the name to Serpins.)

  53. OLIVEIRA DO HOSPITAL (Portugal)
    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    From Oliveira do Hospital, they report to O Progressista of Coimbra that the earthquake was also felt in this locality by 7 o’clock in the morning swaying the buildings by 8 to 10 seconds.

  54. VALEZIM, SEIA (Portugal)
    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 30 October 1880, p. 2

    It was not all insignificant the terrible geological phenomenon which was felt in this kingdom and in much of Europe on the 21st of this month. In Castelo Novo a house collapsed. In Valezim, two. And in Loriga town that lies almost on top of Serra da Estrela there was many damage and even injuries: many houses were split; the church stood with large open gaps and a stone cross that was on the roof fell on the altar who suffered much getting some images mutilated others images in bits.

    Reproduced in Diario Illustrado (Lisboa)13, 1 November1880; O Progresso (Lisboa)16, 3 November1880; O Viriato (Viseu)13, 3 November1880; and O Commercio do Minho (Braga)14, 16 November1880.

  55. LORIGA, SEIA (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 29 October 1880, p. 2

    Alpedrinha, 25. The effects of the earthquake were not as insignificant as has generally been believed. In Lavacolhos a corner of the church fell; in Barroca fell a church wall and opened up a wall of the best constructed house of the land. Pyramids of towers fell in several villages of this municipality; but where the damage was more regretable was in Loriga village of the district of Guarda because the church was destroyed and three buildings were left in ruins. We had occasion to observe that the noise produced by the earthquake resembled a huge running train feeling underfoot the current turmoil produced in the earthquake.

    Reproduced in A Actualidade (Porto)16, 29 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 30 October 1880; O Valenciano (Valença)13, 31 October 1880; and A Palavra (Porto)16, 2 October 1880.

    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 30 October 1880, p. 2

    It was not all insignificant the terrible geological phenomenon which was felt in this kingdom and in much of Europe on the 21st of this month. In Castelo Novo a house collapsed. In Valezim, two. And in Loriga town that lies almost on top of Serra da Estrela there was many damage and even injuries: many houses were split; the church stood with large open gaps and a stone cross that was on the roof fell on the altar who suffered much getting some images mutilated others images in bits.

    Reproduced in Diario Illustrado (Lisboa)13, 1 November1880; O Progresso (Lisboa)16, 3 November1880; O Viriato (Viseu)13, 3 November1880; and O Commercio do Minho (Braga)14, 16 November1880.

  56. COVILHÃ (Portugal)
    A Nação, Lisboa7: 24 October 1880, p. 3

    Covilhã, 21. Today, at 6:50 in the morning a very violent earthquake was felt in this city which lasted for a few seconds; does not appear that there were misfortunes but everybody is scared.

  57. COIMBRA (Portugal)
    Observações meteorológicas e magnéticas feitas no Observatório Meteorológico e Magnético da Universidade de Coimbra no ano de 18807, Coimbra (1881), p. 100

    21st of October. Very sensible earthquake at 6:44 in the morning whose duration was estimated as equal to 8 seconds.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    Correspondência de Coimbra, Coimbra7: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, at 6:44 in the morning an earthquake was felt which startled the inhabitants of the city. The oscillations from north to south lasted for 5 seconds. In other places of the kingdom the same earthquake was felt but not as pronounced as in Coimbra as reported some newspapers. We don’t know of any disasters.

    Reproduced in A Nação (Lisboa)7, 24 October 1880, and O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Coimbra, 21. Today, at 6:40 in the morning a violent earthquake was felt which lasted for 10 seconds. Widespread panic.

    Reproduced in Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 23 October 1880.

    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Last Tuesday, by 6:45 in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this city which caused great fear. The oscillations were horizontal and in the direction north–south lasting about 10 seconds.

    O Conimbricense, Coimbra7: 23 October 1880

    Tuesday, by 6 hours and 3 quarters in the morning a violent and remarkable earthquake was felt in this city which lasted approximately 20 seconds and caused great fear in all residentes. Fortunately, there is no damage to lament.

    Reproduced in Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 27 October 1880.

    A Ordem, Coimbra15: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Thursday, at 6 ¾ a.m. a strong earthquake was felt in this city. It seems to us that the oscillations were in the direction north–south and lasted for a few seconds. The houses shook as the trees shaken by the wind: the furniture went into a constant swinging.

    Diario Illustrado, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    In Coimbra, where the earthquake was more violent just got some glass broken in windows and damaged some pane windows.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Coimbra, 22. The earthquake that yesterday was felt here was very violent and and had shaken the buildings for 10 seconds. Its direction seemed to us to be south–north. There was panic in all population.

  58. MAIORCA, FIGUEIRA DA FOZ (Portugal)
    O Campeão das Províncias, Aveiro—23 October 1880

    They report from Maiorca at 21 that by 6:50 in the morning a subterranean roar was felt there similar to a muffled thunder and instantly followed a strong earthquake in the horizontal direction which lasted 5 or 6 seconds. The scare was big.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)6, 26 October 1880, and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 27 October 1880.

  59. SERPINS, LOUSÃ (Portugal)
    Choffat, P., and A. Bensaude (1912), p. 86

    Answer to the question about earlier earthquakes, of the inquiry about the Benavente earthquake of 1909: “At 7 o’clock in the morning a long time ago without noise but much stronger”

    (NOTE: In 1909, the intensity was III–IV.)

  60. FIGUEIRA DA FOZ (Portugal)
    O Commercio da Figueira, Figueira da Foz—21 October 1880, p. 3

    Today, around 7 o’clock in the morning an earthquake was felt in this town in the direction east–west with eight to ten seconds of duration. Many people felt trembling rather violently the windows, the doors and the furniture of their houses. Fortunately, the soil settled down without giving us motive to register more serious consequences.

    Based on O Commercio do Porto (Porto)16, 24 October 1880; A Nação (Lisboa)7, 24 October 1880; and O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 24 October 1880.

    O Conimbricense, Coimbra15: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Figueira da Foz, 21. Today, at 7 o’clock in the morning an earthquake shook us passably well during 10 to 12 seconds. The shock seems to have been preceded by an underground noise and was felt in the direction east–west. It was quite long but very smooth and without the jolts that cause so much damage in buildings. To my knowledge no damage has resulted from the earthquake.

    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Figueira da Foz, 21. Today, about 7 o’clock in the morning was felt here a violent earthquake followed by a large underground roar that startled and put in commotion many people who were in their houses. In many houses made a great impression and even had fallen candlesticks and other objects that were on tables.

    O Commercio do Porto, Porto6: 29 October 1880, p. 1

    Figueira da Foz, 27. I will only say that the earthquake experienced here last week was preceded by underground noise and formed by two remarkable shocks directed E-W. It happened at ten to 7 in the morning estimating its duration in 12 to 15 seconds. The motion was horizontal and regular so not causing damage to buildings. Fear was enough.

  61. CERNACHE, COIMBRA (Portugal)
    A Actualidade, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Cernache, 21. A violent earthquake was felt here today about seven o’clock in the morning which lasted one minute more or less. An underground whisper like the thunder in the distance was manifested to the ears and then a violent oscillation was seen in the walls, windows and furniture of the houses where it became more salient.In Ega and Condeixa, I was told that it was very strong and a little before seven o’clock which indicates it was coming from south to north and that it reached to fender one wall of the house of the residence of Mr. Fortunato Bandeira in Condeixa.

    Nothing else seems to happen.

  62. LAVACOLHOS, FUNDÃO (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 29 October 1880, p. 2

    Alpedrinha, 25. The effects of the earthquake were not as insignificant as has generally been believed. In Lavacolhos a corner of the church fell; in Barroca fell a church wall and opened up a wall of the best constructed house of the land. Pyramids of towers fell in several villages of this municipality; but where the damage was more regretable was in Loriga village of the district of Guarda because the church was destroyed and three buildings were left in ruins. We had occasion to observe that the noise produced by the earthquake resembled a huge running train feeling underfoot the current turmoil produced in the earthquake.

    Reproduced in A Actualidade (Porto)16, 29 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 30 October 1880; O Valenciano (Valença)13, 31 October 1880; and A Palavra (Porto)16, 2 November1880.

  63. CASTELEJO, FUNDÃO (Portugal)
    Choffat, P., and A. Bensaude (1912), p. 86

    Answer to the question about earlier earthquakes, of the inquiry about the Benavente earthquake of 1909: “Earthquake of the same intensity around 1881.” (NOTE: In 1909, the intensity was IV.)

  64. CONDEIXA-A-NOVA (Portugal)
    A Actualidade, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Cernache, 21. A violent earthquake was felt here today about seven o’clock in the morning which lasted one minute more or less. An underground whisper like the thunder in the distance was manifested to the ears and then a violent oscillation was seen in the walls, windows and furniture of the houses where it became more salient.In Ega and Condeixa, I was told that it was very strong and a little before seven o’clock which indicates it was coming from south to north and that it reached to fender one wall of the house of the residence of Mr. Fortunato Bandeira in Condeixa.

    Nothing else seems to happen.

  65. BARROCA, FUNDÃO (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 29 October 1880, p. 2

    Alpedrinha, 25. The effects of the earthquake were not as insignificant as has generally been believed. In Lavacolhos a corner of the church fell; in Barroca fell a church wall and opened up a wall of the best constructed house of the land. Pyramids of towers fell in several villages of this municipality; but where the damage was more regretable was in Loriga village of the district of Guarda because the church was destroyed and three buildings were left in ruins. We had occasion to observe that the noise produced by the earthquake resembled a huge running train feeling underfoot the current turmoil produced in the earthquake.

    Reproduced in A Actualidade (Porto)16, 29 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 30 October1880; O Valenciano (Valença)13, 31 October1880; and A Palavra (Porto)16, 2November1880.

    Districto da Guarda, Guarda13: 31 October 1880, p. 3

    In Barroca, village of the Castelo Branco district they also say that the earthquake has violently shaken, creating openings, the residence of our friend Dr. António Duarte da Fonseca Fabião.

  66. ALPEDRINHA, FUNDÃO (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Alpedrinha, 21. Has just be sensed in this town at 7:03 minutes in the morning a violent earthquake running in the direction from west to east. We calculate the duration in 4 seconds. At Castelo Novo, they say from there, a house was destroyed. Say here that there is no memory of such a violent tremor reaching the houses, walls and trees to stir in a way that I wonder no great misfortunes happened.

    Reproduced in O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 25 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 26 October 1880; Jornal da Manhã (Porto)16, 26 October 1880; A Lucta (Porto)16, 28 October 1880; A Palavra (Porto)16, 29 October 1880; A Nação (Lisboa)7, 30 October 1880; and Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 31 October 1880.

  67. EGA, CONDEIXA-A-NOVA (Portugal)
    A Actualidade, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Cernache, 21. A violent earthquake was felt here today about seven o’clock in the morning which lasted one minute more or less. An underground whisper like the thunder in the distance was manifested to the ears and then a violent oscillation was seen in the walls, windows and furniture of the houses where it became more salient.

    In Ega and Condeixa, I was told that it was very strong and a little before seven o’clock which indicates it was coming from south to north and that it reached to fender one wall of the house of the residence of Mr. Fortunato Bandeira in Condeixa.

    Nothing else seems to happen.

  68. CASTELO NOVO, FUNDÃO (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Alpedrinha, 21. Has just be sensed in this town at 7:03 minutes in the morning a violent earthquake running in the direction from west to east. We calculate the duration in 4 seconds. At Castelo Novo, they say from there, a house was destroyed. Say here that there is no memory of such a violent tremor reaching the houses, walls and trees to stir in a way that I wonder no great misfortunes happened.

    Reproduced in O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 25 October 1880; O Commercio Portuguez (Porto)16, 26 October 1880; Jornal da Manhã (Porto)16, 26 October 1880; A Lucta (Porto)16, 28 October 1880; A Palavra (Porto)16, 29 October 1880; A Nação (Lisboa)7, 30 October 1880; Jornal do Commercio (Lisboa)13, 31 October 1880; and Districto da Guarda (Guarda)13, 31 October 1880.

    O Tribuno Popular, Coimbra7: 30 October 1880, p. 2

    It was not all insignificant the terrible geological phenomenon which was felt in this kingdom and in much of Europe on the 21st of this month. In Castelo Novo a house collapsed. In Valezim, two. And in Loriga town that lies almost on top of Serra da Estrela there was many damage and even injuries: many houses were split; the church stood with large open gaps and a stone cross that was on the roof fell on the altar who suffered much getting some images mutilated others images in bits.

    Reproduced in Diario Illustrado (Lisboa)13, 1. November1880; O Progresso (Lisboa)16, 3 November1880; O Viriato (Viseu)13, 3 November1880; and O Commercio do Minho (Braga)14, 16 November1880.

  69. CASTANHEIRA DE PERA (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 1

    Castanheira de Pera, 21. Today, by 6 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt here.

  70. FIGUEIRÓ DOS VINHOS (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Figueiró dos Vinhos, 21. Today, at 6:56 in the morning a strong earthquake was felt from north to south. The oscillation lasted about four seconds.

    Reproduced in O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 23 October 1880, and A Lucta (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

    Diario Illustrado, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Figueiró dos Vinhos, 21. It is 7 o’clock in the morning. We have just felt a remarkable earthquake for a period not less than five seconds. The houses shook so that seemed to go tumbling down many people abandoned them and fled to the street.

    Everyone is very frightened.

    A Lucta, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 22. From Guarda and Figueiró dos Vinhos, we have been receiving telegrams telling that yesterday’s earthquake was felt in these localities with great violence.

  71. SARZEDAS, CASTELO BRANCO (Portugal)
    Diario de Noticias, Lisboa13: 29 October 1880, p. 2

    Sarzedas. The earthquake was felt here violently coming to drop the cross of the frontispiece of the mother church of this parish. Fortunately, there were no personal misfortunes.

  72. MARINHA GRANDE (Portugal)
    A Nação, Lisboa7: 24 October 1880, p. 3

    Marinha Grande. By seven o’clock in the morning there was an earthquake that lasted for a few seconds. Its direction seems to have been north–south. In the workshop of stonecutters, of the glasses factory the quake did great impression and manufacturers were strongly frightened.

  73. LEIRIA (Portugal)
    Aurora do Liz, Leiria13: 24 October 1880, p.2; corrected 31 October 1880, p. 2

    At day 21 of the current month near 7 o’clock in the morning a violent earthquake was felt in this city.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 24 October 1880, p. 1

    Leiria, 22. Many people were awakened here yesterday shortly by 4 a.m. by a slight earthquake. But after 3 hours by 6 hours and 50 minutes came the same phenomenon, and this time with such intensity that to no one went unnoticed. In this town we noticed first a strong underground noise similar to the plunging but progressive sound of thunder and almost simultaneously a great shaking in the vertical direction and then in the east–west lasting the oscillation nearly three minutes. In some houses was even shouting from the fair sex. Buildings there were the highest whose ceilings disassembled up caused great scare to the residents such was that the crack they did at the same time they were dropping fragments of plaster or gypsum. We do not know that there were casualties or other disasters to regret.

  74. TOMAR (Portugal)
    A Verdade, Tomar7: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    On Thursday, by 10 to 7 o’clock in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this city.

  75. PAI DE AVIZ, SERRA, TOMAR (Portugal)
    A Verdade, Tomar7: 24 October 1880, p.3

    Death. At Pai d’Aviz, parish of Serra near Tomar was a man picking fruit in a tree at the time of the earthquake. With the scare and the imbalance he fell dying instantly.

    Reproduced in O Progresso (Lisboa)16, 27 October 1880, and A Palavra (Porto)16, 29 October 1880.

  76. ABRANTES (Portugal)
    O Diario Popular, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    In Abrantes, there was an earthquake Thursday at 7 o’clock in the morning. However, there is no misfortune or damage to regret although it was somewhat scary.

  77. VILA NOVA DA BARQUINHA (Portugal)
    O Diario Popular, Lisboa13: 25 October 1880, p. 2

    Barquinha, 21. Today, by 6:45 in the morning in this town was felt such a violent earthquake that some residents fled to the streets fearing a collapse of their buildings; fortunately, it was nothing than scare.

  78. RIO MAIOR (Portugal)
    A Nação, Lisboa7: 24 October 1880, p. 3

    Rio Maior. Today, by 7 o’clock in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in this town that let not a few people afraid. They say that yesterday at 10 o’clock at night another earthquake was felt but smaller. The quake felt today lasted approximately 2 seconds.

  79. ALCOENTRE (Portugal)
    Diario Illustrado, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Alcoentre, 21. Today, by 6:45 in the morning a violent earthquake was felt here. Besides some slightly cracked walls there was no other damage. The scare was great.

  80. ELVAS (Portugal)
    O Elvense, Elvas2: 21 October 1880, p. 3

    Today, by 7:09 in the morning we had in this city a great earthquake with a great underground noise from north to south which having started strong was mildly ending in less than 2 seconds; the residents in the citadel and along the castle were those who felt most because their houses’ foundations are formed in bedrock.

  81. AGUALVA, SINTRA (Portugal)
    A Palavra, Porto16: 26 October 1880, p. 3

    In Agualva, municipality of Sintra the earthquake that took place after 6 o’clock of the morning of 21 was greatly felt; seemed to go from south to north. Thanks God there are no misfortunes to report.

  82. LISBOA (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 6

    Earthquake on the 21st at 6:41 in the morning; two shocks, total duration 12 seconds, slow oscillations N – S.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    A Nação, Lisboa7: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Today, 21, at 6:40 in the morning a slight earthquake was felt in Lisbon.

    Diário de Notícias, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Yesterday, by 6:40 in the morning an earthquake was felt in Lisbon with two successive shocks which seemed to us lasted for two to three seconds. The oscillations were in the north–south direction being rather violent the second and were preceded by an underground noise. No damage is known in Lisbon unless the snap of some glasses in doors and windows and some fissures in stucco.

    Reproduced in O Dez de Março (Porto)16, 23 October 1880.

    O Progresso, Lisboa16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, shortly after 6 o’clock in the morning a strong earthquake was felt. The oscillations were violent from north to south and were repeated five times during 12 seconds.

    Jornal do Commercio, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    By 6:44 in the morning an earthquake was felt in Lisbon, which lasted no less than 12 seconds; the oscillations—three successive—were from north to south. This phenomenon was accompanied of a very pronounced underground noise. If the shock instead of as slow as it was, was more violently fast perhaps would left a more notable souvenir. Still, it was big the scare to a lot of people: in cupboards crockery jingled and the bells of the doors rung alone.

    O Diario Popular, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 1

    Yesterday, by 6:45 in the morning a strong earthquake was felt in Lisbon which lasted about 10 seconds. First, were felt some violent but spaced oscillations from north to south then others almost without interval and milder ending with three or four stronger shocks.

    Democracia, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Today, at 6:41 in the morning an earthquake was felt intermittent along north–south—as it seemed to us in the direction of oscillation as when it bobs a fixed plank in its center. Lasted a few seconds and was stronger in the repetition. To our knowledge, it didn’t cause any disaster.

    Diario do Commercio, Lisboa13: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Yesterday, by 6:45 in the morning, an earthquake was felt in the direction of N.-S. (unless mistake). It lasted for 3 seconds.

    O Dez de Março, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 21. It was 7 o’clock in the morning when the earth is stretched so that everyone who slept awoke abruptly. To assess the magnitude of the quake suffice remember how many swings did the walls of my house. Fortunately the extent not equaled violence; exceeded it.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 21, At 6:50 in the morning a violent earthquake was felt here. The oscillation lasted for 4 seconds. No damage was caused.

    A Lucta, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 21. The biggest and the latest news that I can send in this mail is the news of having been today at 6 and a half hours of the morning a great earthquake in Lisbon. Fortunately, I do not know that there are misfortunes to mourn. I woke up with the dancing of the furniture and I swear to you with my hand on my consciousness … and stomach as my dinner last night was very frugal…

    O Comércio do Porto, Porto6: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 21. An earthquake was felt here this morning.

    O Primeiro de Janeiro, Porto16: 22 October 1880, p. 2

    Lisboa, 21. Today, at 7 o’clock in the morning an earthquake was felt.

    A Palavra, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Lisboa, 21. This morning, an earthquake was much felt here.

    O Commercio Portuguez, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Lisboa, 22. The most important event of yesterday was the remarkable earthquake that Lisbon has experienced about 7 o’clock in the morning. Few families havent’t noticed it. Fortunately, no disaster is known.

    A Actualidade, Porto16: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Lisboa, 22. The population was startled today morning. The earthquake that at 6:50 of yesterday made us swinging terrified almost everyone but fortunately there were no casualties or damage. Here lasted for only four seconds.

  83. ÉVORA (Portugal)
    Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880), p. 6.

    Three underground shocks on the 21st at 7 a.m.

    Observations also issued in many Portuguese and Spanish newspapers.

    Monitor Transtagano, Évora13: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    Thursday, by seven o’clock in the morning an earthquake was felt in this city which had short duration and little intensity. There are people who claim to have felt the same day by five o’clock in the morning another earthquake but smaller.

  84. SETÚBAL (Portugal)
    Gazeta Setubalense, Setúbal13: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    Earthquake at 6:45 in the morning of 21st, very sensible with oscillations from N to S having 10 to 12 seconds of duration.

  85. BEJA (Portugal)
    O Bejense, Beja9: 23 October 1880, p. 2

    By seven o’clock in the morning of yesterday an earthquake was felt in this city.

  86. CÓRDOBA (Spain)
    La Iberia, Madrid12: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Córdoba, 21. This morning, at a quarter past seven approximately it was noted in this capital a slight earthquake which lasted for a second and half accompanied by a strong underground noise.

    Also issued in many other Spanish and in several Portuguese newspapers.

    Diario de Córdoba, Córdoba17: 22 October 1880, p. 3

    Yesterday, at seven and half in the morning approximately a slight earthquake was felt in this capital which to our knowledge didn´t cause any undesirable consequence.

    Reproduced in El Comercio (Cádiz)17, 24 October 1880.

    Diario de Lisboa, Lisboa13: 23 October 1880, p. 3

    Córdoba, 21. This morning, for two seconds were felt here strong oscillations and a great underground noise. No damage is known.

    Also issued in many other Portuguese newspapers.

  87. SEVILLA (Spain)
    El Porvenir, Sevilla—22 October 1880

    Many people have been telling us that yesterday by seven o’clock in the morning they felt an earthquake which lasted about two seconds. There was trepidation but with low intensity.

    Based on El Guadalete (Jérez de la Frontera)12, 23 October 1880.

    El Español, Sevilla—23 October 1880

    Before yesterday morning, many people say that at seven o’clock had been felt in this capital an earthquake; we do not notice it not withstanding being up at that hour but several people who deserve the best credit have assured us that the fact is true and some of our local colleagues gave the news in their yesterday issues.

    Based on El Comercio (Cádiz)17, 24 October 1880.

  88. HUELVA (Spain)
    La Provincia, Huelva3: 24 October 1880, p. 2

    The earthquake that according to telegrams and newspapers was felt in many places, early on Thursday was also felt here by seven or seven and half in the morning with duration four to six seconds.

    NOTE: No account was published about the earthquake in the previous issue (22 October 1880) of this newspaper, which suggests that only a few people felt it and that it was in consequence of having known about it from the newspapers from Madrid that they dare to publish the account from Huelva. So, the intensity must have been very low maybe II–III.


Locations of the Publications Consulted

  1. Documentación Faro de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
  2. Arquivo Histórico Municipal de Elvas, Portugal
  3. Archivo Municipal de Huelva, Spain
  4. Biblioteca de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain
  5. Biblioteca de Geologia de la Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
  6. Biblioteca Geral da Faculdade de Letras da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
  7. Biblioteca Geral da Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
  8. Biblioteca Municipal da Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal
  9. Biblioteca Municipal de Beja, Portugal
  10. Biblioteca Municipal de Ponte de Lima, Portugal
  11. Biblioteca Municipal de Viana do Castelo, Portugal
  12. Biblioteca Nacional de España, Madrid, Spain
  13. Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, Lisboa, Portugal
  14. Biblioteca Pública de Braga, Portugal
  15. Biblioteca Pública Municipal de Coimbra, Portugal
  16. Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto, Portugal
  17. Biblioteca Virtual de Prensa Histórica, Madrid, Spain
  18. Museu Municipal de Penafiel, Portugal

References

Rodríguez de la Torre, F. (1990a)5. Sismologia y sismicidad en la Peninsula Ibérica durante el siglo XIX, Ph.D. thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, vol. 3, p. 676 (in Spanish).

Annaes do Observatorio do Infante D. Luis (1880) Observações dos postos meteorológicos—Outubro 1880, vol. XVIII, p. 3 (in Portuguese).

Choffat, P., and A. Bensaude (1912). Estudos sobre o sismo do Ribatejo de 23 de Abril de 1909, Ed. Imprensa Nacional, Lisbon, Portugal, p. 86 (in Portuguese).

Observações meteorológicas e magnéticas feitas no Observatório Meteorológico e Magnético da Universidade de Coimbra no ano de 1880, Coimbra (1881)7, p. 100 (in Portuguese).

Puig y Larraz, Gabriel (1883). Descripción física y geológica de la provincia de Zamora, Madrid, pp. 171–172 (in Spanish).

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