Fernando Álvarez de Toledo | |
---|---|
Governor of Milan | |
In office 1555–1556 |
|
Monarch | Charles I of Spain |
Preceded by | Ferdinando Gonzaga |
Succeeded by | Cristoforo Madruzzo |
Viceroy of Naples | |
In office 1556–1558 |
|
Monarch | Charles I of Spain |
Preceded by | Bernardino de Mendoza |
Succeeded by | Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo, 4th Duke of Alba |
Governor of the Netherlands | |
In office 1567–1573 |
|
Monarch | Philip II of Spain |
Preceded by | Margaret of Austria |
Succeeded by | Luis de Requesens y Zúñiga |
1st Viceroy of Portugal and the Algarves | |
In office 18 July 1580 – 11 December 1582 |
|
Monarch | Philip I of Portugal |
Preceded by | New title |
Succeeded by | Archduke Alberto of Austria |
12th Constable of Portugal | |
In office 1581–1582 |
|
Monarch | Philip II of Spain |
Preceded by | John, 6th Duke of Braganza |
Succeeded by | Teodósio II, 7th Duke of Braganza |
Personal details | |
Born |
Piedrahíta, Ávila, Spain |
29 October 1507
Died | 11 December 1582 Lisbon, Kingdom of Portugal |
(aged 75)
Spouse(s) | María Enríquez de Toledo y Guzmán |
Children |
Fernando de Toledo García Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán Fadrique Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzman Diego Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán Beatriz Álvarez de Toledo y Enríquez de Guzmán |
Profession | Soldier, diplomat, statesman |
Military service | |
Allegiance | Spanish Crown |
Rank | Captain General |
Battles/wars |
War of the Portuguese Succession
Fernando Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel (29 October 1507 – 11 December 1582), known as the Grand Duke of Alba in Spain and the Iron Duke in the Netherlands, was a Spanish noble, general, and diplomat. He was titled the 3rd Duke of Alba de Tormes, 4th Marquis of Coria, 3rd Count of Salvatierra de Tormes, 2nd Count of Piedrahita, 8th Lord of Valdecorneja, Grandee of Spain, and a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. His motto in Latin was Deo patrum Nostrorum, which in English means "To the God of our fathers".
He was an adviser of King Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), and his successor, Philip II of Spain, Mayordomo mayor of both, member of their Councils of State and War, governor of the Duchy of Milan (1555–1556), viceroy of the Kingdom of Naples (1556–1558), governor of the Netherlands (1567–1573) and viceroy and constable of the Kingdom of Portugal (1580–1582). He represented Philip II in negotiating Philip's betrothal to Elisabeth of Valois and Anna of Austria, who were the third and fourth, and last, wives of the king.