Ruy Gómez de Silva, 1st Prince of Éboli facts for kids

Rui Gomes da Silva was a very important person in the history of Portugal and Spain. He was born on October 27, 1516, in Chamusca, Portugal. He became a close friend and trusted adviser to King Philip II of Spain. Rui Gomes da Silva was also known as the 1st Prince of Éboli. He passed away on July 29, 1573, in Madrid, Spain, at 56 years old.

His Early Life

Rui Gomes da Silva was the second son of Dom Francisco da Silva. His father was the Lord of Ulme and Chamusca in Portugal. In March 1526, Rui had an important job. He helped escort Infanta Isabel of Portugal to Seville, Spain. Isabel was going there to marry Charles I of Spain.

Rui stayed in Spain and lived with Isabel's group. In 1527, when Philip II of Spain was born, Rui became his page. A page was a young helper to a royal person. Rui and Philip became very good friends. Their friendship lasted their whole lives. In 1554, Rui's older brother John died. Rui then inherited his family's lands in Ulme and Chamusca.

Becoming Powerful

When Philip became King of Spain in 1556, he was known as Philip II. Rui had been close to one of the king's most important ministers. Because of this, Rui received many special honors. He was made prince of Éboli. He also became the King's Sumiller de Corps, a high position in the royal household.

As a minister for Philip II, Rui Gomes da Silva was very important in Spanish politics. King Philip II gave him the highest noble title: Grandee of Spain. This title meant he was one of the most important nobles in the country. In April 1559, Rui helped sign the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis. This treaty helped end the Italian Wars with France.

The Éboli Group

Because Rui had so much influence in the Spanish Court, foreign ambassadors called him "Rey Gomes." This means "King Gomes" in Spanish. They called him this instead of his Spanish name, "Ruy Gomes." His biggest political rival was Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba.

Rui and the Duke of Alba had different ideas about how Spain should be governed. Rui, who was also the Duke of Pastrana, believed in a more federal system. This meant power would be shared more. He wanted more compromise. The Duke of Alba, however, wanted power to be centralized. He wanted a strong, unified monarchy with a powerful army.

His Family

Ana de Mendoza, Princess of Éboli

In 1552, Rui became engaged to Ana de Mendoza. She was 12 years old at the time. Ana was the daughter of Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 1st Duke of Francavilla. King Philip II himself suggested and asked for this marriage. The official wedding promise happened on April 18, 1553.

Rui and Ana had ten children together:

• Jose da Silva Gomes III (born around 1558, died 1563)
• Ana da Silva e Mendonça, Duchess of Medina Sidonia (1560–1610)
• Rodrigo da Silva e Mendonça (1562–1596), who became the 2nd Duke of Pastrana
• Pedro da Silva e Mendonça (born around 1563)
• Diego da Silva e Mendonça (1564–1630), who was the Viceroy of Portugal (1615–1621) and the 1st Marquis of Alenquer
• Ruy da Silva e Mendonça (1565–?), who was the 1st marquis of La Eliseda
• Fernando da Silva e Mendonça (February 10, 1570 – July 23, 1639), who became the Bishop of Sigüenza (1623–1639)
• Maria da Silva e Mendonça (born around 1570)
• Ana da Silva e Mendonça (1573–1614)

Titles He Held

Rui Gomes da Silva held several important titles in both Portugal and Spain.

In the Kingdom of Portugal, he was known as:

• Rui Gomes da Silva, Lord of Ulme and of Chamusca

In the Crown of Castile (Spain), he was known as:

• Ruy Gómez de Silva, Prince of Éboli
• Duke of Pastrana
• Duke of Estremera
• Count of Melito

See also

In Spanish: Ruy Gómez de Silva para niños