Don Gomez Suarez de Figueroa of Cordova, Duke of Feria
Encyclopedia
Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba, 1st Duke of Feria (1520?–1571) was a Spanish nobleman and diplomat, and close advisor of Philip II
.
Probably born in Zafra
, Extremadura
, he was the second son of Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, third count of Feria, and his wife, Catalina Fernandez de Córdoba. He became fifth Count of Feria upon the death of his elder brother Pedro in 1551, and in 1554 travelled with Philip of Spain to England for the king's marriage to Queen Mary
. He was regarded as only second to Ruy Gómez
in the king's confidence. After the accession of Elizabeth I he served as Philip's ambassador until he was succeeded by Bishop Alvarez de Quadra in May 1559.
On 29 December 1558 Feria married Mary I's former maid-of-honour, Jane Dormer
, a match resisted by both their families. Feria and his wife maintained a strong interest in the protection of English Catholic exiles, and the former ambassador also supported the Ridolfi Plot
of 1571. In 1567 Philip II created the count 1st Duke of Feria. He was buried in Zafra, in the Convent of Santa Clara.
Philip II of Spain
Philip II was King of Spain, Portugal, Naples, Sicily, and, while married to Mary I, King of England and Ireland. He was lord of the Seventeen Provinces from 1556 until 1581, holding various titles for the individual territories such as duke or count....
.
Probably born in Zafra
Zafra
Zafra is a town situated in the Province of Badajoz , and the capital of the comarca of Zafra - Río Bodión. It has a population of 16,242, according to the figures of 2009....
, Extremadura
Extremadura
Extremadura is an autonomous community of western Spain whose capital city is Mérida. Its component provinces are Cáceres and Badajoz. It is bordered by Portugal to the west...
, he was the second son of Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, third count of Feria, and his wife, Catalina Fernandez de Córdoba. He became fifth Count of Feria upon the death of his elder brother Pedro in 1551, and in 1554 travelled with Philip of Spain to England for the king's marriage to Queen Mary
Mary I of England
Mary I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from July 1553 until her death.She was the only surviving child born of the ill-fated marriage of Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Her younger half-brother, Edward VI, succeeded Henry in 1547...
. He was regarded as only second to Ruy Gómez
Rui Gomes da Silva, 1st Prince of Éboli
Don Rui Gomes da Silva, 1st Prince of Éboli and 1st Duke of Pastrana and Estremera, and iure uxoris Prince of Mélito, Duke of Francavilla and Count of Aliano . He was a Portuguese noble and one of King Philip's main advisers...
in the king's confidence. After the accession of Elizabeth I he served as Philip's ambassador until he was succeeded by Bishop Alvarez de Quadra in May 1559.
On 29 December 1558 Feria married Mary I's former maid-of-honour, Jane Dormer
Jane Dormer
Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria was an English lady-in-waiting to Mary I who went on to serve as the Duchess of Feria.-Biography:...
, a match resisted by both their families. Feria and his wife maintained a strong interest in the protection of English Catholic exiles, and the former ambassador also supported the Ridolfi Plot
Ridolfi plot
The Ridolfi plot was a plot in 1570 to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I of England and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot was hatched and planned by Roberto di Ridolfi, an international banker who was able to travel between Brussels, Rome and Madrid to gather support without attracting...
of 1571. In 1567 Philip II created the count 1st Duke of Feria. He was buried in Zafra, in the Convent of Santa Clara.