Pedro Henriquez de Acevedo, Count of Fuentes facts for kids
Pedro Henriquez d'Azevedo y Alvarez de Toledo (born in 1525 in Zamora, Spain – died on July 22, 1610, in Milan, Italy) was an important Spanish general and leader. He was known for his military skills and for governing different regions for the Spanish king.
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Pedro Henriquez's Early Life and Military Career
Pedro Henriquez started his career as a page, which was like an assistant, at the court of Philip II of Spain. In 1557, he trained as a soldier in Naples. He learned from a famous general, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba.
Pedro Henriquez took part in a military campaign in Portugal in 1580. He was under the command of the Duke of Alba. By 1582, he was given the top command of all Spanish troops.
Defending Lisbon Against the English
In 1589, Pedro Henriquez became the Captain General of Portugal. He successfully defended Lisbon from an attack by the English Armada. This English fleet was led by John Norreys and Francis Drake.
Serving in the Netherlands
In 1591, King Philip II sent Pedro Henriquez to the Netherlands. He helped the leaders there after the death of Alexander Farnese. He supported Peter Ernst I von Mansfeld-Vorderort and later Ernst of Austria. After Ernst's death, Pedro Henriquez temporarily became the leader of the Netherlands.
Conquering Cities
During the Franco-Spanish War (1595–1598), Pedro Henriquez led his troops to conquer the cities of Doullens and Cambrai. He was known for being very strict. Because of this, King Philip II decided to replace him with Albert of Austria.
Governor of Milan and Fort Fuentes
After his time in the Netherlands, Pedro Henriquez became the governor and Captain General of Milan. He held this important position from 1600 until his death in 1610. He was 85 years old when he passed away while still in office.
During his time as governor, he made the Italian nobility nervous, especially the people of Venice. He used his army and policies to keep control. In 1599, he made an agreement with the Count of Savoy. He also helped with a secret plan involving Biron.
Building Fort Fuentes
One of his most famous achievements in Milan was building a strong fortress. It was called the Forte di Fuentes, named after him. This fort was built where the Adda River meets Lake Como, near Colico. Its purpose was to guard the border against the Grisons. Today, the fort is in ruins but still carries his name.
Pedro Henriquez's Family Life
Pedro Henriquez died in Milan. He married Juana de Acevedo y Fonseca in 1585 when he was 60 years old. Juana had been given the title of 1st Countess of Fuentes de Valdepero by King Philip II in 1572. This meant she was the Countess in her own right. Because of this marriage, Pedro Henriquez became the 1st Count of Fuentes through his wife.
Pedro Henriquez and his wife did not have any children. So, after they both passed away, the title of Count of Fuentes went to one of Juana's relatives, Manuel de Acevedo y Zúñiga.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Enríquez de Acevedo para niños
