Manuel de Guzmán y Silva, 8th Duke of Medina Sidonia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Juan Manuel Pérez de Guzmán, 8th Duke of Medina Sidonia |
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|---|---|
| Spouse(s) | Juana de Sandoval |
| Noble family | House of Medina Sidonia |
| Father | Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia |
| Mother | Ana de Silva y Mendoza |
| Born | 7 January 1579 |
| Died | 20 March 1636 |
Juan Manuel Pérez de Guzmán y Silva (born January 7, 1579 – died March 20, 1636) was an important Spanish noble. He held the title of the 8th Duke of Medina Sidonia. His family was one of the most powerful in Spain.
Early Life and Family
Juan Manuel was born in 1579. His father was Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia. His father was famous for leading the Spanish Armada. His mother was Ana de Silva y Mendoza. She was the daughter of Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Éboli.
In 1598, when Juan Manuel was 19, he got married. His wife was Juana de Sandoval. She was the daughter of the Duke of Lerma. The Duke of Lerma was a close friend and advisor to King Philip III of Spain.
Rise to Power
Juan Manuel received a special honor in 1615. He became a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. This was a very important award. He was 36 years old at the time. His father had received the same honor many years before.
In that same year, 1615, Juan Manuel became the 8th Duke of Medina Sidonia. This made him the head of his noble family. He took on many responsibilities with this title.
Protecting Cadiz
In 1625, a large fleet attacked the city of Cádiz. This fleet was made up of ships from England and the Netherlands. Sir Edward Cecil led the attacking ships.
Juan Manuel was in charge of defending the area. He commanded the Spanish forces from Jerez de la Frontera. His actions helped to stop the attack. The Spanish forces successfully protected Cadiz.
Royal Connections
Juan Manuel's family had strong ties to royalty. His eldest daughter was Luisa de Guzmán. She was born in 1613. Luisa married John II, the 8th Duke of Braganza.
In 1640, John II became King John IV of Portugal. This made Luisa de Guzmán the Queen of Portugal. She was the first queen from the House of Braganza. Luisa is famous for a brave quote. When her husband was offered the crown, she said: "better Queen for one day, than Duchess all my life". This showed her courage.
Juan Manuel's granddaughter also became a queen. This was Catherine of Braganza. She married King Charles II of England. This connected the family even more to European royalty.
See also
In Spanish: Manuel de Guzmán y Silva para niños
