Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo, 4th Duke of Alba facts for kids
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Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo
4th Duke of Alba GE
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| Born |
Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán
21 November 1537 |
| Died | 11 December 1583 (aged 46) Alba de Tormes, Spain
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Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán (born November 21, 1537 – died December 11, 1583) was an important Spanish military leader. He held the title of the 4th Duke of Alba, which was a very high rank in Spain. He was also known as a Grandee of Spain, a special title given to the most important noble families.
Fadrique played a key role as a commander in the Spanish army. He fought during a long conflict known as the Eighty Years' War. This war was fought mainly in the Netherlands, which was then part of the Spanish Empire.
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A Powerful Spanish Commander
Fadrique was the first legitimate son of Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba. When his father passed away, Fadrique became the 4th Duke of Alba. He also held other important titles. These included Duke of Huéscar and Marquis of Coria. He was also a Comendador Mayor in the Order of Calatrava, a famous Spanish military and religious order.
His Role in the War in the Netherlands
Don Fadrique led the Spanish troops during a very difficult time in the war in the Netherlands. His army was involved in several major events. These included the attacks on cities like Mechelen, Zutphen, and Naarden. During these events, his soldiers were allowed to take things from the cities and cause damage.
These actions, and others like them, became known across Europe as the "Spanish Fury". They showed the harshness of the war.
Fadrique's army also fought in the long and costly Siege of Haarlem. This was a very tough battle for both sides. However, his army was not successful in the siege of Alkmaar. They had to retreat from that city. His father, the 3rd Duke of Alba, was worried about Fadrique's reputation. He knew that King Philip II of Spain was already not pleased with Fadrique.
Challenges and Later Life
Fadrique had two short marriages early in his life. In 1555, he married Guiomar de Aragón. She passed away in 1557. Then, in 1562, he married María Josefa Pimentel y Girón, who died in 1566.
Later, in 1566, Fadrique promised to marry Magdalena de Guzman. She was a lady who served Queen Anne of Austria. However, Fadrique changed his mind and did not marry her. This caused him serious trouble with King Philip II. Because of this, he was arrested and held in the Castle of La Mota in Medina del Campo, Spain.
The next year, he was released so he could go abroad and fight in the war. But in 1578, King Philip II ordered that Fadrique's case be looked at again. It was found that Fadrique had secretly married another woman, María de Toledo. He had done this with his father's permission, but without the King's approval. This was against the King's wishes.
Because of this, Fadrique was again held in the Castillo de la Mota. His father, the Duke of Alba, was also sent away from the royal court.
Fadrique did not have any children who survived from his marriage with María de Toledo. After his death, his nephew, Antonio Álvarez de Toledo, became the 5th Duke of Alba.
Don Fadrique's health got worse after 1573. He held the title of Duke for a short time, from December 11, 1582, to December 11, 1583.
Images for kids
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Don Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo, IV Duke of Alba.
See also
In Spanish: Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán para niños
