José de Rozas facts for kids
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José de Rozas y Meléndez de la Cueva, 1st Count of Castelblanco (born December 16, 1665 – died July 1722) was an important Spanish nobleman and government official. He became a key figure in a political movement called Jacobite politics in Europe.
Life and Career
José de Rozas was born in Lima, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. His father, Francisco de Rozas y Fernández de Santayana, was a knight. José de Rozas grew up to become a rival of the viceroy of Peru, Manuel de Oms.
In 1700, José de Rozas was given important roles in the Captaincy General of Guatemala. He became the leader of this region and also the President of the Real Audiencia of Guatemala. This was a high court and governing body.
Involvement with the Jacobites
José de Rozas became involved with the Jacobites. This was a group that supported the exiled James Francis Edward Stuart. He was trying to regain the throne of Great Britain. The Jacobite court, which was in France and Italy, had strong connections with the Spanish court.
Because of his support, José de Rozas received special titles from the Jacobite court on February 4, 1717. These titles included Duke of St Andrews and Castelblanco. He was also given the titles Marquess of Borland, Earl of Fordan, Viscount of The Bass, and Lord Divron.
José de Rozas played a big part in helping the Jacobites. He was responsible for finding the money needed to fund the Jacobite rising of 1719. This was an attempt by the Jacobites to take back the British throne.
Family Life
José de Rozas was married three times during his life. His first wife, Magdalena de Irrutia, passed away. His second and third wives were Mary and Francesca. Both were daughters of John Drummond, 1st Earl of Melfort.
With Francesca, he had three children:
- Josefa de Rozas y Drummond de Melfort: She was the mother of María Teresa de Vallabriga. María Teresa later married Infante Luis of Spain, who was a son of the Spanish king.
- María Benita de Rozas y Drummond de Melfort: She married Pedro Fitz-James Stuart. He was a very important naval officer, serving as the Captain General of the Navy.
- Juan José de Rozas y Drummond de Melfort: He became the 3rd Count of Castelblanco, inheriting his father's title.
