Barbara of Portugal Facts for Kids

Barbara of Portugal (born Maria Madalena Bárbara Xavier Leonor Teresa Antónia Josefa; 4 December 1711 – 27 August 1758) was a princess of Portugal. She later became the Queen of Spain when she married Ferdinand VI of Spain. She was known for her love of music and her strong bond with her husband.

Barbara's Life Story
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Barbara's Life Story

Growing Up in Portugal

Barbara was born on 4 December 1711 in Lisbon, Portugal. Her parents were King John V of Portugal and Queen Maria Anna of Austria. Before Barbara was born, her father had promised to build a large convent if he had an heir. After she was born, he built the impressive Palace of Mafra.

Barbara was given many names, but she was usually called Bárbara or Maria Bárbara. This was after Saint Barbara, whose feast day was on her birthday. For a short time, she was the next in line to the Portuguese throne. However, her younger brothers, Pedro and Joseph, were born later. This meant Barbara was no longer the direct heir.

Barbara received an excellent education. She especially loved music and was a very talented keyboard player. Her only teacher was Domenico Scarlatti, a famous harpsichordist and composer. He taught her from when she was about 9 years old until he died in 1757.

In 1725, Barbara was considered as a possible wife for King Louis XV of France. However, there were some worries about her family's health, and she was also quite young. So, she was not chosen for that marriage.

Becoming a Spanish Princess

In 1729, when Barbara was 18, she married Ferdinand VI of Spain. He was two years younger than her. At the same time, Barbara's brother Joseph married Ferdinand's half-sister, Mariana Victoria of Spain. This double wedding was called the Exchange of the Princesses. It was meant to improve the friendship between Portugal and Spain. Scarlatti, her music teacher, moved with Barbara to Madrid after her marriage. He continued to compose many harpsichord sonatas for her.

Barbara in her younger years, painted by Domenico Duprà.

During their time as Prince and Princess of the Asturias (the title for the heir to the Spanish throne), Ferdinand and Barbara faced some challenges. They were watched closely by the spies of Ferdinand's stepmother, Queen Elizabeth. This difficult time helped Barbara and Ferdinand grow very close. Ferdinand was a shy person and often felt unwell. He came to rely on Barbara for support and advice.

Many people at the time did not think Barbara was beautiful. Some even said Ferdinand was shocked when he first saw her. However, Ferdinand, who was known as 'Ferdinand the Learned', became deeply devoted to her. They shared a love for music. He depended on her for guidance. When Ferdinand became King of Spain, people noticed Barbara's strong influence. She was very well-educated. Besides her musical talents, she was good at languages and loved to read about many different topics.

Ruling as Queen of Spain

When Ferdinand became king, Barbara became the Queen of Spain. She faced attempts by others to reduce her influence over her husband. To protect her position, she formed alliances with important Spanish politicians. She helped remove those who threatened her influence over Ferdinand. For example, she encouraged Ferdinand to fire a minister named Villarias. She also helped banish the Queen Dowager from the court in 1747.

The coat of arms of Queen Barbara of Spain.

As queen, Barbara hosted many grand parties and concerts. These often took place at her favorite home, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. Unlike the previous queen, Barbara did not openly show her power over her husband or the government. She made a good impression on the public. She was not as ambitious as the previous queen. Her main goal was to keep Spain and Portugal friendly, working with her father and the Portuguese ambassador.

Queen Barbara was regularly involved in state matters. Ministers respected her and would show her all important documents before they went to the king. They knew that "only she knows what ought either be said or hidden from the king." She was the main way ministers communicated with the king. She advised them on how to get the results they wanted from Ferdinand. Ministers relied on her for their work. In 1754, she was even behind the removal of one of her former allies, Minister Ensenada. She convinced Ferdinand to send him away.

Barbara and Ferdinand did not have any children who survived past birth. Barbara suffered from severe asthma for most of her life. In her later years, she also became very overweight. She passed away at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez on 27 August 1758. It is said that her death deeply saddened her husband, King Ferdinand.

Barbara of Portugal facts for kids

Contents

Barbara's Life Story

Growing Up in Portugal

Becoming a Spanish Princess

Ruling as Queen of Spain

See also