Fernando Joaquín Fajardo de Requeséns y Zúñiga facts for kids

Fernando Joaquín Fajardo de Requeséns y Zúñiga (born in Zaragoza in 1635, died in Madrid in 1693) was an important Spanish noble and politician. He held many titles, including the 6th Marquess of Los Vélez and 5th Marquis of Molina. He was also a Grandee of Spain, which meant he belonged to the highest rank of Spanish nobility.

Fernando Fajardo's Life

Fernando Joaquín Fajardo was the second son of Pedro III Fajardo, 5th Marquis of Los Vélez. His mother was Mariana Engracia Álvarez de Toledo y Portugal.

Becoming a Nobleman

Fernando's older brother, Pedro, was supposed to inherit all the family titles. However, Pedro chose to become a clergyman. This meant that when their father died in 1647, Fernando inherited all the important titles and lands.

Family Connections at Court

Fernando had strong family connections that helped him in his career. His mother was the governess to King Carlos II of Spain. This meant she was very close to the King and his mother, Queen Mariana of Austria.

Fernando's cousin, Manuel Joaquín Álvarez de Toledo, was the Count of Oropesa. His brother-in-law was Juan Francisco de la Cerda, 8th Duke of Medinaceli. Both Oropesa and Medinaceli were very important figures during King Carlos II's rule. These family ties likely helped Fernando get his first jobs in the government.

Early Government Roles

Fernando's first major job was as Governor of Oran in 1666. Oran was a Spanish city in North Africa at the time.

In 1673, he became the Viceroy of Sardinia. A viceroy is like a governor who rules a country or region as a representative of the king.

Two years later, in 1675, he was made Viceroy of Naples. Naples was a kingdom in southern Italy that was part of the Spanish Empire. At this time, Naples was dealing with the Messina revolt, a rebellion against Spanish rule. Fernando stayed in Naples until January 1683.

Return to Spain and New Roles

After returning to Spain, Fernando became a member of the Council of State. This was a very important group that advised the King. Later, he became the president of the Council of the Indies. This council managed all the Spanish colonies in the Americas and Asia.

Economic Reforms

Fernando became a key part of the economic changes led by his cousin, Oropesa. Oropesa valued Fernando's experience with money matters from his time in Naples.

In 1687, a new position was created for Fernando: the General Superintendent of the Treasury. This role was inspired by similar reforms in France. It meant he was in charge of the country's finances.

However, Oropesa was dismissed from his position in 1691. This led to Fernando also having to leave his roles. He retired from his posts on September 20, 1693, and died just a few weeks later.

Marriages and Successors

Fernando Joaquín Fajardo married twice. His first wife was María Juana de Aragón Córdoba y Sandoval. She was the sister of the Duke of Medinaceli. She passed away in 1686.

His second wife was Isabel Rosa de Ayala Toledo y Faxardo. She was the 10th Marquesa de la Mota.

Fernando did not have any children from either marriage. Because of this, his sister, Maria Teresa Fajardo de Portugal, inherited his titles. She was married to Fernando de Moncada y Aragón, the 8th Duke of Montalto.

Sources

• Real Academia de la Historia
• Geni

See also

In Spanish: Fernando Joaquín Fajardo para niños