Francisco Castillo Fajardo, Marquis of Villadarias facts for kids
Francisco Castillo Fajardo, 2nd Marquis of Villadarias (in Spanish: Francisco Castillo Fajardo, segundo marqués de Villadarias) was a Spanish general. He was born in Málaga, Spain, on December 17, 1642, and passed away in 1716. He played an important role in many battles and defenses for Spain.
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Becoming a Marquis
Francisco Castillo Fajardo was the only son of Maria Muñoz y Ruiz and Antonio Arias Castillo Fajardo Maldonado. His father was given the special title of Marquis of Villadarias. This honor was given after his other son died in Flanders in 1690.
Francisco was the first person to officially use this title. He inherited it in 1699. This made him the 2nd Marquis of Villadarias.
Early Military Career
Francisco Castillo Fajardo was a skilled military leader. In 1693, he tried to defend the city of Charleroi against the French army. However, he was not successful that time.
Later, in 1696, he became the Captain-General of Guipúzcoa. This was an important military position in a region of northern Spain.
Defending Spanish Territories
In 1698, Francisco Castillo Fajardo showed his strength by successfully defending Oran. This city was in North Africa and was attacked by the Ottoman forces. He managed to protect it.
In the same year, he became the governor of Ceuta. Ceuta is a small Spanish territory located on the coast of North Africa. His job was to oversee and protect this important area.
By 1702, he moved across the Straits of Gibraltar. He became the Captain-General of Andalucia. This is the southern part of Spain.
The War of the Spanish Succession
A big war called the War of the Spanish Succession began in 1702. This war was about who would be the next king of Spain.
During this war, Francisco Castillo Fajardo successfully defended Cadiz. He protected the city from a large fleet of ships from Britain and the Netherlands. This battle is known as the Battle of Cadiz.
From June to July 1704, he led an invasion into Portugal. His army conquered two towns there: Castelo de Vide and Marvão.
The Siege of Gibraltar
Between 1704 and 1705, Francisco Castillo Fajardo tried to take back Gibraltar. Gibraltar had been captured by British and Dutch forces. This event is known as the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar.
He led the Spanish efforts to recapture the territory. However, he was replaced on February 8, 1705. A French Marshal named de Tessé took over his command. The siege was eventually given up.
Later Commands and Death
In 1710, Francisco Castillo Fajardo was the commander of the Bourbon army in Catalonia. The Bourbon family was fighting for the Spanish throne.
However, his army lost the Battle of Almenar. After this defeat, he was replaced by the Marquis de Bay.
In 1713, he became the Captain-General of Valencia. He continued to serve Spain in important roles.
Francisco Castillo Fajardo passed away in 1716 in Madrid, the capital of Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco del Castillo y Fajardo para niños
