Francisco de Velasco y Tovar, Conde de Melgar facts for kids
Francisco Antonio Fernández de Velasco y Tovar (born in Madrid in 1646 – died in 1716) was a Spanish nobleman. He held the title of Count of Melgar and served as the Viceroy of Catalonia.
Early Life and Military Career
Francisco Antonio Fernández de Velasco y Tovar was the son of Bernardino Fernández de Velasco, 6th Duke of Frías.
When he was young, he fought in several wars. He served in Portugal and Flanders. In 1674, he fought against the French in Catalonia. Later, he became the military Governor of Ceuta and Cádiz. In 1696, he was appointed Viceroy of Catalonia.
As Viceroy, he faced a big challenge in 1697. French troops, led by Louis Joseph de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, attacked Catalonia. They surrounded and captured Barcelona on August 10. Because of this, Velasco y Tovar was removed from his position. Another nobleman, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza y Sandoval, took his place.
Role in the War of Spanish Succession
The War of Spanish Succession began later. Velasco y Tovar was a strong supporter of the central government and the new King, Philip V of Spain. Because of his loyalty, he was again made Viceroy of Catalonia in 1703. He replaced Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt, who was seen as too supportive of Catalonia and the Habsburg family.
As Viceroy, Velasco y Tovar dealt firmly with anyone who opposed the central government. In 1704, he successfully stopped an attempt by British and Catalan forces to land in the region. However, in 1705, he could not defend the city during a second attack on Barcelona. After this, Barcelona and all of Catalonia switched their support to Charles of Habsburg. Charles was the Austrian prince who also claimed the Spanish throne.
After losing Catalonia, Velasco y Tovar moved to Malaga. He later took part in the Siege of Barcelona (1706), which was an unsuccessful attempt to retake the city.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Antonio Fernández de Velasco y Tovar para niños
