Duke of Lerma (title) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dukedom of Lerma |
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| Creation date | 11 November 1599 |
| Monarch | Philip III |
| Peerage | Peerage of Spain |
| First holder | Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 1st Duke of Lerma |
| Present holder | Fernando Larios y Fernández de Córdoba, 16th Duke of Lerma |
The Duke of Lerma (in Spanish, Duque de Lerma) is a very old and important family title in Spain. It's a "hereditary title," which means it passes down through generations in a family. This special title also comes with the dignity of a Grandee. Being a Grandee means you have a very high rank among the nobles of Spain.
The title was first given out in 1599 by King Philip III. He gave it to Francisco Gómez de Sandoval, who was already the 4th Count of Lerma. Francisco was the king's "royal favourite," which means he was a very close and trusted friend and advisor to the king.
What is a Duke?
A Duke is one of the highest ranks in the European system of nobility. It's a very old title that often came with owning a large area of land called a "Dukedom." Dukes were usually very powerful and important people in their country.
What is a Grandee?
In Spain, a Grandee is the highest rank of nobility. It's even higher than a regular Duke. Grandees had special privileges, like being able to remain covered (wear their hat) in the presence of the king. This showed their very high status and importance.
The Dukes of Lerma (1599 to Today)
The title of Duke of Lerma has been passed down through many generations since 1599. Each person who held the title played a part in the history of this important family. The first Duke was Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas. Today, the current holder of the title is Fernando Larios y Fernández de Córdoba, who is the 16th Duke of Lerma.
Here is a list of the people who have held the title of Duke or Duchess of Lerma:
- Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 1st Duke of Lerma
- Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 2nd Duke of Lerma
- Mariana Isabel Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 3rd Duchess of Lerma
- Ambrosio de Aragón y Gómez de Sandoval, 4th Duke of Lerma
- Diego Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 5th Duke of Lerma
- Catalina Gómez de Sandoval y Mendoza, 6th Duchess of Lerma
- Gregorio María de Silva y Mendoza, 7th Duke of Lerma
- Juan de Dios de Silva y Mendoza, 8th Duke of Lerma
- María Francisca de Silva y Gutiérrez de los Ríos, 9th Duchess of Lerma
- Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Silva, 10th Duke of Lerma
- Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Salm-Salm, 11th Duke of Lerma
- Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Beaufort Spontin, 12th Duke of Lerma
- Mariano Téllez-Girón y Beaufort Spontin, 13th Duke of Lerma
- Fernando Fernández de Córdoba y Pérez de Barradas, 14th Duke of Lerma
- María de la Paz Fernández de Córdoba y Fernández de Henestrosa, 15th Duchess of Lerma
- Fernando Larios y Fernández de Córdoba, 16th Duke of Lerma
See also
In Spanish: Ducado de Lerma para niños
- List of dukes in the peerage of Spain
- List of current Grandees of Spain
