Francisco Antonio de Agurto, 1st Marquess of Gastañaga facts for kids
Francisco Antonio de Agurto y Salcedo, 1st Marquess of Gastañaga (born 1640 – died November 2, 1702), was an important Spanish nobleman. He came from a region in Spain called Basque Country. He held very high positions, serving as a viceroy and a governor during his lifetime. His parents were Don Antonio de Agurto Alava and Catalina de Salcedo Medrano.
He was born in the city of Vitoria, Spain.
Contents
A Life of Leadership
Francisco Antonio de Agurto had a busy career in leadership and military roles.
Becoming a Marquess
In 1676, he received a special noble title and became the first Marquess of Gastañaga. This was a big honor!
Governing the Netherlands
From 1685 to 1692, he served as the Governor of the Habsburg Netherlands. This was a very important job, like being in charge of a large area of land.
Facing Battles
During his time as governor, he led Spanish soldiers in a major fight called the Battle of Fleurus (1690). He also tried to protect the city of Mons from the French army, but he wasn't able to hold it.
Building a Chapel
In 1687, while he was governor, he started building a new church. It was called the Royal Chapel of Saint Joseph in Waterloo.
Viceroy of Catalonia
After his time in the Netherlands, he was called back to Spain. From 1694 to 1696, he became the Viceroy of Catalonia. A viceroy is like a ruler who governs a region in the name of the king. During this time, he had to deal with a French invasion as part of a big conflict called the War of the Grand Alliance.
Later Life
Francisco Antonio de Agurto never got married. He passed away in the city of Zaragoza, Spain. After he died, his noble title, Marquess of Gastañaga, went to his brother, Iñigo Eugenio.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Antonio de Agurto para niños
