Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, conde de Gondomar

Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, conde de Gondomar (November 1, 1567 - October 2, 1626), was a Spanish diplomat.

Related Topics:
November 1 - 1567 - October 2 - 1626 - Spanish - Diplomat

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The eldest son of Garcia Sarmiento de Sotomayor, corregidor of Granada, and governor of the Canary Islands, by his marriage with Juana de Acuña, an heiress,

Related Topics:
Granada - Canary Islands

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Diego Sarmiento was born in the parish of Gondomar, in the bishopric of Tuy, Galicia. He inherited large estates both in Galicia and in Old Castile. In 1583 he was appointed by King Philip II of Spain to the military command of the Portuguese frontier and sea coast of Galicia. He is said to have taken an active part during the Anglo-Spanish War in repelling an English raid on the coast in 1585, and in defending La Coruña against an unsuccessful English attack of Drake and the "English Armada" in 1589. In 1593 he was named corregidor of Toro. In 1603 he was sent from court to Vigo to superintend the distribution of the treasure brought from America by two galleons which were driven to take refuge there, and on his return was named a member of the board of finance. In 1609 he was again employed on the coast of Galicia, this time to repel a naval attack made by the Dutch. Although he held military commands, and administrative posts, his residence was at Valladolid, where he owned the Casa del Sol and was already collecting his fine library. He was known as a courtier, and apparently as a friend of the favourite, the Duke of Lerma. In 1612 he was chosen as ambassador in England, but did not leave to take up his appointment till May 1613.

Related Topics:
Galicia - Old Castile - 1583 - Philip II of Spain - Portuguese - Anglo-Spanish War - La Coruña - Drake - English Armada - 1603 - Vigo - Library - Duke of Lerma

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