Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco, 8th Duke of Escalona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Most Excellent
The Duke of Escalona
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The Duke of Escalona in an 18th century painting
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| Seat A of the Real Academia Española | |
| In office 6 July 1713 – 29 June 1725 |
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| Preceded by | Seat established |
| Succeeded by | Tomás Pascual de Azpeitia |
| Director of the Real Academia Española | |
| In office 6 July 1713 – 29 June 1725 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Mercurio López Pacheco |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Juan Manuel María de la Aurora Fernández Pacheco Acuña Girón y Portocarrero
7 September 1650 Marcilla (Navarre), Spain |
| Died | 29 June 1725 (aged 74) Madrid, Spain |
| Spouse |
María Josefa de Benavides Silva y Manrique de Lara
(m. 1674) |
| Children |
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| Parents |
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Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco y Zúñiga (born September 7, 1650, in Marcilla, Navarre – died June 29, 1725, in Madrid) was an important Spanish nobleman, politician, and scholar. He is best known for creating the Royal Spanish Academy, which helps protect and improve the Spanish language. He held many important positions throughout his life, serving the king and leading different parts of Spain.
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Who Was Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco?
Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco was a very important person in Spain during the late 1600s and early 1700s. He was known by many titles, including the Duke of Escalona and the Marquess of Villena. His father was Diego López Pacheco, 7th Duke of Escalona, and his mother was Juana María Francisca de Zuñiga.
Early Life and Important Roles
Juan Manuel was born into a powerful family. As he grew up, he took on many big responsibilities for the king of Spain. He became a Mayordomo mayor, which means he was a chief steward or a very important helper to the king. He also served as a viceroy and captain-general in several kingdoms, including Navarre, Aragon, Catalonia, Sicily, and Naples. A viceroy was like a governor who ruled a region in the king's name.
On October 9, 1687, he received a very special honor: he was made a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was one of the most important awards a nobleman could get in Europe.
A Time of War and New Beginnings
Juan Manuel lived during a time when Spain was often at war. In 1694, he was involved in the Battle of Torroella, where his forces lost to the French army. Later, during the War of the Spanish Succession, he faced more challenges. After losing the Siege of Gaeta (1707), he was held prisoner by the Austrian empire in Gaeta, Naples.
After he was released and returned to Spain, King Philip V gave him a very important task. The king asked him to create a special group to look after the Spanish language.
Founding the Royal Spanish Academy
Following the king's orders, Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco founded the Royal Spanish Academy (known as Real Academia Española or RAE). This academy was created to make sure the Spanish language was used correctly and to help it grow. It became a very important institution for Spanish culture and education.
In 1713, Juan Manuel was chosen to be the first director of the RAE. He held this important position for the rest of his life, guiding the academy in its early years.
Family Life
On September 29, 1674, Juan Manuel married María Josefa de Benavides Silva y Manrique de Lara. She was the daughter of Diego de Benavides, 8th Count of Santisteban.
They had two sons:
- Mercurio López Pacheco y Benavides (born May 9, 1679, in Escalona – died June 7, 1738, in Madrid). He inherited his father's title as the 9th Duke of Escalona. He also followed in his father's footsteps and became the second lifetime director of the Royal Spanish Academy, serving from 1725 to 1738.
- Marciano Fernández Pacheco (1688-1743).
See also
In Spanish: Juan Manuel Fernández Pacheco para niños
