Pedro de Alcántara Téllez Girón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Téllez Girón, Prince of Anglona
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Pedro Téllez Girón, Prince of Anglona
(lithography, 1858) |
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| Born | 15 October 1786 Quiruelas de Vidriales, Zamora |
| Died | 24 January 1851 (aged 64) Madrid |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Battles/wars | |
Pedro Téllez Girón (1786–1851) was an important Spanish soldier and politician. He played a big part in the Peninsular War, a major conflict in Spain. Later, he became the director of the famous Prado Museum and even served as the leader of Cuba for a time. He held important titles like the Prince of Anglona and Marquess of Jabalquinto.
Contents
A Look at Pedro Téllez Girón's Life
His Family Background
Pedro was the youngest son of Pedro Téllez-Girón, 9th Duke of Osuna and María Josefa Pimentel, Duchess of Osuna. His parents were very important people who supported the arts. The famous artist Francisco Goya painted them many times. One of his most well-known paintings is of Pedro's family, called The Duke and Duchess of Osuna and their Children. You can see this painting at the Prado Museum.
In 1811, Pedro married María del Rosario Fernández de Santillán y Valdivia. She was the daughter of the Marquis de Motilla.
Starting His Military Career
Pedro began his military journey in 1805. He was a captain and worked as an aide to Gonzalo O'Farrill. O'Farrill was the commander of troops helping Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca travel to become the Regent of the Kingdom of Etruria.
By March 1807, Pedro was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He joined the Dragones del Rey regiment. He later moved to the Pavía Regiment and was sent to El Puerto de Santa María in early 1808.
Fighting in the Peninsular War
The Peninsular War was a huge conflict that took place in Spain and Portugal. Pedro Téllez Girón was a key figure in many battles during this time.
Key Battles of 1808
After the Dos de Mayo Uprising in Madrid, Pedro joined General Castaños's Army of Andalusia in July. He became the colonel of the Pavía Regiment. This unit had 440 excellent horses. They were chosen to lead Castaños's Army to Andújar.
Pedro's regiment was part of the 4th Division during the Battle of Bailen. He also fought in the Battle of Tudela on November 23.
Actions in 1809
At the start of 1809, Pedro fought in the Battle of Uclés on January 13.
He also served under the Duke of Alburquerque at the Battle of Talavera in July. In August, he was part of the Spanish forces at Arzobispo.
Pedro was promoted to field marshal in August 1809. He led the Cavalry Division at the Battle of Tamames on October 18. Later, he saw more action at Alba de Tormes on November 28.
Events of 1810
During the siege of Cádiz, Pedro was transferred to the Duke of Alburquerque's command. He led the 2nd Division, which was in charge of defending the Arsenal de la Carraca. This was a very important naval base in the Bay of Cádiz.
Battles in 1811
Pedro's Cavalry division took part in an expedition to Tarifa. They fought bravely at the Battle of Barrosa on March 5.
Campaigns of 1812
In April 1812, Pedro served under General Francisco Ballesteros in the 4th Army. He was given command of the 3rd Division, also known as the "Asturian Division."
His division fought at Bornos on May 31. They suffered heavy losses there. In September, Pedro helped to free Granada.
Later that year, on October 30, he was sent to arrest General Ballesteros. Ballesteros had protested against Wellington being named the top commander of the Spanish Army.
Final Actions in 1814
By April 1814, Pedro was the commander-in-chief of Spain's 3rd Army. He led his troops into France to occupy Pau.
After the War: A New Career Path
After the war, Pedro Téllez Girón took on new roles.
Leading the Prado Museum
When the Liberal Triennium began in 1820, Pedro became the Director of the Prado Museum. This is one of the most famous art museums in the world. He held this position until 1823. He had to leave Spain and go to Italy when the French invaded the country.
Governor of Cuba
From September 1839 to March 1841, Pedro served as the Governor of Cuba. This was a very important leadership role.
Serving in the Senate
Pedro was elected vice-president of the Senate of Spain for four years in a row (1847-1851). He worked closely with his friend and biographer, Manuel de Pando Fernández de Pinedo.
Director of the Royal Academy
From 1849 until his death in 1851, he was the Director of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando. This is a prestigious academy for fine arts.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Pimentel para niños
