Alexander von Bournonville facts for kids
Alexander von Bournonville (born January 5, 1616, in Brussels – died August 20, 1690, in Pamplona) was an important military leader from Flanders. He held many high-ranking positions during his life. These included being a Field Marshal for the Holy Roman Empire, a special knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, and a Viceroy of Catalonia and Viceroy of Navarre for Spain. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a region in the name of the king.
Alexander was the son of Alexander I de Bournonville and Anne de Melun. He married María Ernestina of Arenberg. Together, they had three daughters and a son named Alexander III de Bournonville, who later took over his father's titles.
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A Life in the Military
Alexander von Bournonville was a skilled military commander. He fought in some of the biggest wars of his time.
Fighting for the Empire and Spain
He first fought for the Holy Roman Empire in the Thirty Years' War. This was a very long and complex war in Europe. After that, he joined the Spanish army during the Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659). He showed great bravery and skill in battles like the Battle of Arras (1654) and the Battle of Valenciennes (1656).
Because of his excellent service, King Philip IV of Spain gave him the special title of Prince of Bournonville on July 12, 1658. This title was named after a place called Bournonville, which is now in France, close to the border with Belgium.
The Franco-Dutch War
In 1672, Alexander became an Imperial Field Marshal again. He fought in the Franco-Dutch War. During this war, he faced a famous French general, Vicomte de Turenne, in the Battle of Entzheim. Even though the Holy Roman Empire had more soldiers, Alexander was not able to defeat Turenne in that battle.
Later Life in Spain
In 1676, Alexander returned to serve Spain. The next year, he was sent to Messina to help stop a rebellion there that was supported by France. After this, he moved to Spain permanently. He then took on important roles as the Viceroy of Catalonia and later the Viceroy of Navarre. These were very powerful positions, showing how much the Spanish king trusted him.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro de Bournonville para niños
- List of Spanish viceroys of Catalonia
- List of Field Marshals of the Holy Roman Empire
- Viceroy of Navarre
- Order of the Golden Fleece
