James Fitz-James Stuart, 2nd Duke of Berwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James FitzJames Stuart
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| Duke of Berwick | |
Portrait by Hyacinthe Rigaud
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| Born | 21 October 1696 Saint Germain en Laye, France |
| Died | 2 June 1738 (aged 41) Naples, Kingdom of Naples |
| Noble family | FitzJames |
| Spouse(s) | Catalina Ventura de Portugal-Columbus, 9th Duquesa de Veragua y de La Vega |
| Issue | Jacopo Stuart-FitzJames-Stuart y Colon de Portugal James Fitz-James Stuart, 3rd Duke of Berwick Pedro Stuart-FitzJames-Stuart y Colon de Portugal, Marques de San Leonardo Catalina Stuart-FitzJames-Stuart y Colon de Portugal Ventura Stuart-FitzJames-Stuart y Colon de Portugal Maria Guadalupe Stuart-FitzJames-Stuart y Colon de Portugal |
| Father | James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick |
| Mother | Honora de Burgh |
James Fitz-James Stuart was an important nobleman from a long time ago. He was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, on October 21, 1696. He passed away in Naples, Italy, on June 2, 1738.
He became the 2nd Duke of Berwick and the 2nd Duke of Liria and Xérica. He inherited these important titles when his father died in a battle in 1734. This happened during a war called the War of the Polish Succession. Through his marriage in 1716, he also became a Duke by marriage, holding titles like Duke of Veragua. He was also honored as a Grandee of Spain and a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
Contents
His Family Background
His Parents
James Fitz-James Stuart's father was James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick. His father was the son of King James II of England and a woman named Arabella Churchill. Arabella was the sister of a very famous general, the 1st Duke of Marlborough.
His mother was Lady Honora Burke. She was the daughter of William Burke, the seventh Earl of Clanricarde. Before marrying James's father, she was married to an Irish nobleman named Patrick Sarsfield. Both Sarsfield and James's father had fought in King James II's Irish Army. After the war, they moved to other countries in Europe. This movement was known as the "Flight of the Wild Geese".
Early Life
Sadly, James's mother died very young. She passed away in France in January 1698, when he was less than 18 months old. His father later married again. This meant James had 12 younger half-brothers and half-sisters. His oldest half-brother started a new line of French Dukes.
Marriage and Children
His Marriage
On December 31, 1716, James Fitz-James Stuart married Catalina Ventura Colón de Portugal y Ayala-Toledo. She was the 9th Duchess of Veragua. Catalina Ventura was born on July 14, 1690. She passed away on October 3, 1739. Her father was Pedro Manuel Colon de Portugal. By marrying Catalina, James also became a Duke by marriage, holding titles like Duke of Veragua.
His Children
James and Catalina had six children together. Four of their children lived to be adults:
- James Fitz-James Stuart, 3rd Duke of Berwick (1718–1785): He married Maria Teresa De Silva y Haro in 1738.
- Pedro de Alcántara (1720–1791): He became a Captain General in the Spanish Navy. He married María Benita de Rozas y Drummond, but they did not have children.
- Ventura (born 1724): He married María Josefa Gagigal y Monserrat and had one son.
- Maria Guadalupe (1725–1750): She married Francesco Maria Pico, the Duke of Mirandola, but they did not have children.
His Career and Service
Military Service
James Fitz-James Stuart worked for Elizabeth of Parma, a powerful queen. He helped her with military goals. From 1717 to 1719, he was involved in battles on land and sea. Their goal was to take back Naples from its Austrian rulers and Sicily from the Duchy of Savoy. This led to the creation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He fought as a colonel in the Irish Regiments of Spain. He was also a Lieutenant General in the Spanish Royal Armies. In February 1724, he was promoted to Field Marshal.
Ambassador Roles
After his military service, James became a Spanish ambassador.
- From December 1726 to 1730, he served as ambassador to Russia. He worked under Emperor Peter II. He brought Ricardo Wall with him, who later became an important minister in the Spanish government. While in Russia, James received several honors. He was made a Knight of the Russian Order of Saint Andrew. He also became a Knight of the Russian Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky.
- From 1730 to 1733, he was the ambassador in Vienna, Austria.
- From 1733 until his death in 1738, he served as ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples. He brought Ricardo Wall with him on these missions as well.
Images for kids
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James Fitz-James Stuart, 2nd Duke of Berwick, by Hyacinthe Rigaud
