Juan de Tassis, 1st Count of Villamediana facts for kids
Juan de Tassis y Acuña was a Spanish diplomat and important official. He was born in Valladolid around 15?? and died in Madrid in 1607. King Felipe III of Spain made him the 1st Count of Villamediana in 1603. He was also the main leader of all Spanish Post Offices.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Juan de Tassis y Acuña came from an Italian family. His family members lived in many parts of Europe, from Flanders to Spain. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V gave his family important jobs. They became leaders of public inns and postal offices.
One of his relatives, Johann Baptist von Taxis, was in charge of the postal service for the Holy Roman Empire. His oldest son, Raymond de Tassis Wachtendonk (born around 1515), moved to Spain. Raymond became the postmaster general for the entire Spanish kingdom. Juan de Tassis was Raymond's son and inherited his position. It's important not to confuse Juan with his uncle, also named Juan Bautista de Tassis Wachtendonk, who was a Spanish Ambassador in France.
Service to the Spanish Crown
Juan de Tassis served under King Philip II of Spain. He worked for Prince Don Carlos, who sadly died when he was a teenager. Juan also took part in important military actions. He fought in the war against the Morisco revolt in Granada. He also served in North African towns like Oran, which is now in Algeria.
He became a Knight of the Military Order of Santiago. This was a special honor. He helped the 3rd Duke of Alba conquer Lisbon, Portugal, on June 29, 1581. While he was in Lisbon, his only son, Juan de Tassis y Peralta, 2nd Count of Villamediana, was born. In 1583, Tassis returned to Madrid with the king.
On October 12, 1603, King Philip III of Spain made him the 1st Count of Villamediana. This title confirmed his role as Correo Mayor, which meant he was the head of all postal communications across the vast Spanish Empire. Juan de Tassis was married to Maria de Peralta Muñatones.
Diplomatic Mission to England
In 1603, Juan de Tassis led a group of Spanish and Flemish diplomats. Their important mission was to visit England and try to end the war. This war between Spain and England had started back in 1585. Queen Elizabeth had recently passed away. Her successor, King James I, wanted to stop the long and costly conflict he had inherited.
There was a false rumor that Tassis arrived in England in June 1603. He actually arrived in Dover on August 23. The Earl of Devonshire brought him to stay at Christ Church, Oxford. From there, he was to meet King James and Anne of Denmark at Woodstock Palace. People tried to make sure his welcome was as grand as the one given to the French ambassador.
However, one person in Tassis's group died from the plague in Oxford. Because of this, his meeting with the King was delayed. Arbella Stuart wrote that Tassis brought special perfumed leather goods as gifts for the royal court. Tassis then moved to Southampton. King James and Anne of Denmark officially welcomed him at Winchester on September 24. Tassis gave a speech in Spanish, which was then translated into Italian for King James. Lewes Lewknor gave the King's reply in Spanish. Later, in Salisbury, some landlords were unhappy about not being paid enough for housing Tassis's group. This led to a small riot, and a Spanish man was killed.
In January 1604, Tassis attended a court play called The Vision of the Twelve Goddesses. He even danced with Lucy, Countess of Bedford. The French ambassador was not invited to this event. In April, Tassis asked King James if another important Spanish diplomat, the Constable Velasco, could stay at Somerset House. Anne of Denmark agreed to his request. In June, since the Constable had not yet arrived, Tassis moved into the lodging at Somerset House that was meant for Velasco. Tassis and the Constable bought jewels as gifts for the ladies of the Danish court. They bought some from a jeweler in London and others from goldsmiths in Brussels.
The diplomatic efforts were successful. The Anglo-Spanish peace treaty was officially signed on August 28, 1604. This brought an end to many years of war.
Later Years and Legacy
Juan de Tassis y Acuña died in 1607. He was buried at the main chapel of the Convento de San Agustín in Valladolid. His son, Juan de Tassis y Peralta, 2nd Count of Villamediana, inherited his title and the important position as head of the Imperial Posts. Sadly, his son was assassinated in 1622.
See also
In Spanish: Juan de Tassis y Acuña para niños
