Bernardino de Mendoza (Captain General) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernardino de Mendoza
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| Captain General of the Galleys of Spain | |
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| Born | 1501 Granada |
| Died | 1557 St. Quentin |
| Spouse(s) | Elvira Carrillo y Córdoba |
| Father | Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones, 1st Marquis of Mondéjar |
| Mother | Francesca Pacheco |
| Occupation | Captain General of the Galleys of Spain |
Bernardino de Mendoza (born in Granada in 1501, died in Saint-Quentin in 1557) was an important Spanish nobleman. He belonged to the famous House of Mendoza family. Bernardino became the Captain General of the Galleys of Spain. This meant he was in charge of Spain's main warships, called galleys.
He was the third son of Íñigo López de Mendoza y Quiñones, who was the 1st Marquis of Mondéjar. His mother was Francesca Pacheco. Bernardino had several siblings, including Luis, Maria, Antonio, and Diego Hurtado.
Contents
Bernardino was always meant to have a career in the Spanish Navy. Even when he was young, he showed great courage. He sailed with two galleys to fight against the Barbary corsairs in the Mediterranean Sea. He paid for this adventure himself.
In October 1525, he took part in a battle to take back Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera. This attempt was not successful. His brother, Luis Hurtado de Mendoza y Pacheco, led the fight.
Leading Spain's Warships
In 1533, Bernardino became the Captain General of the Galleys of Spain. This was a very important job.
The Conquest of Tunis (1535)
In 1535, he led twelve galleys to help capture Tunis. Some of these ships had been taken from the Turks earlier. After the victory, Bernardino stayed in Tunis. He defended the fortress of La Goleta with 1,000 Spanish soldiers.
Later, he sailed with six galleys. But he was called back to La Goleta. The Spanish soldiers there had not been paid and were ready to mutiny. They even thought about selling the fortress to the Turks. Bernardino sailed them to Sicily, promising they would get paid. When they still didn't get paid in Sicily, the soldiers caused problems there too.
Bernardino had some big wins at sea. In 1540, he won an important battle called the Battle of Alborán. He defeated much larger Turkish forces. During this battle, he was hurt in the head. This injury made it hard for him to use his arms properly.
One year later, he led 15 galleys in the Algiers expedition. This mission, however, was not successful. In 1550, he won another important battle against the Turks. He successfully captured Mahdiye.
Fighting in Foreign Wars
In 1555, Bernardino briefly served as the Viceroy of Naples. A viceroy is like a governor who rules a country or province as the representative of a king or queen. He took this role because Cardinal Pedro Pacheco de Villena was away at a special meeting to choose a new Pope.
One year later, King Philip II of Spain made him a State Councilor. This meant he would advise the king on important matters. But Bernardino did not like life at court. He soon left for Flanders to fight against the French. He served under Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy.
After the Battle of St. Quentin (1557), Bernardino was given the job of making the city's defenses stronger. Sadly, he died soon after from wounds he received in the battle.
Family Life
Bernardino de Mendoza married Elvira Carrillo y Córdoba. They had at least five children.
- Juan Hurtado de Mendoza y Carrillo: He also became a Captain General of the galleys. He was in charge of La Goleta. Juan died in a big naval accident in 1562.
- Catalina: She married Luis Hurtado de Mendoza, who was the 4th Marquis of Mondéjar.
See also
In Spanish: Bernardino de Mendoza para niños
