Francisco Ramírez de Madrid facts for kids
Francisco Ramírez de Madrid (who died in 1501) was an important Spanish soldier. He was an expert with cannons and other big guns. He also advised the famous Catholic Monarchs, Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon. He even served as King Ferdinand's secretary.
A Life of Service
Francisco Ramírez de Madrid was born in a family from San Vicente de la Barquera in Cantabria. His parents, Juan Ramírez de Oreña and Catalina de Ramírez de Cobreces, had moved to Madrid.
Francisco started his career as a clerk, which is like an assistant, in the court of King Henry IV of Castile in Segovia. Later, he became the mayor of Toledo. The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, kept him in this important job.
Military Achievements
Francisco Ramírez de Madrid became a top leader in the army, known as the Captain General of Artillery. This meant he was in charge of all the cannons and siege weapons. He led many successful military missions, especially during the wars to take back land from the Moors in Spain.
One of his most famous actions was during the campaign of Málaga. He used a special technique involving an explosion to capture a very important tower. This helped the Spanish forces win the city.
Because of his great success, King Ferdinand made him a royal secretary. He also honored Francisco by making him a knight. He was given land, including the Bornos estate in Cadiz, and other properties in Granada.
Later Life and Family
After the city of Granada was conquered, Francisco Ramírez de Madrid went back to Madrid. He owned a lot of land there. Much of the area that is now between the Paseo del Prado and Paseo de las Delicias belonged to him.
In 1491, he married his second wife, Beatriz Galindo. She was a famous writer and a very smart woman. Beatriz was also a teacher to Queen Isabella herself. Francisco and Beatriz had two sons, named Fernán and Nuflo.
Francisco Ramírez de Madrid lived in a grand house in Madrid, which is now called the Palacio de Viana. He died in 1501 while fighting against a rebellion in the mountains of Ronda.
