Alonso de Guzman El Bueno, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia

Don Alonso Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia (September 10, 1550 - 1615) was the commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armada. He was the son of Don Juan Carlos de Guzmán, eldest son of the 6th duke, and of his wife Doña Leonor Manrique de Zuniga y Sotomayor. His father died in 1555, and Don Alonso became duke, and master of one of the greatest fortunes in Europe, on the death of his grandfather in 1539.

In Command of the Armada

Yet when the marquess of Santa Cruz died, on the 9th of February 1588, Philip insisted on appointing him to the command of the Armada. He was chosen even before Santa Cruz was actually dead, and was forced to go in spite of his piteous declarations that he had neither experience nor capacity, and was always sick at sea. His conduct of the Armada justified his plea. He was even accused of showing want of personal courage, and was completely broken by the sufferings of the campaign, which turned his hair grey. The duke retained his posts of admiral of the ocean and captain-general of Andalusia in spite of the contempt openly expressed for him by the whole nation.

Related Topics:
Marquess of Santa Cruz - 9th of February - 1588 - Admiral of the ocean - Andalusia

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