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Fernando Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel was born in Piedrahita on October 29, 1507 and died in Lisbon on December 11, 1582. The so-called Grand Duke of Alba was a Spanish military nobleman and diplomat, III Duke of Alba de Huéscar, Marquis of Coria, Count of Salvatierra and Piedrahita among many other titles.
He intervened in gun actions from a very young age. In 1531, already a duke, he served in various campaigns of Emperor Charles I, and stood out in the war against the Kuga of Schmalkalda, which he defeated in the Battle of Mühlberg (1547) commanding the Carolinian troops. With Philip II, Alba's influence reached its zenith, as head of one of the court parties. Philip II expressed special trust in him since Alba and his wife had been godparents at the King's wedding with Mary Tudor. Appointed viceroy of Naples (1556-1558), he managed to expel the French from Italy.
The highlight of his career was his time in Flanders (1567-1573). In 1567 he was sent to the Netherlands to quell the revolt. There he established the Tribunal of Tumults, or of Blood, in charge of judging, condemning and confiscating the property of the rebels. He also strengthened the role of the Inquisition and put into force laws against heresy.
He ordered the execution of the counts of Egmont and Horn, accused of complicity in the uprisings. In order to maintain the army, he imposed new and burdensome taxes, without respecting traditional Flemish freedoms. As a consequence of this harsh policy, he not only failed to quell the revolt, but fueled it. Finally, Philip II deposed him in 1573.
After all this he was appointed State Councilor. The marriage of his son Fadrique against the king's wishes caused him to fall into disgrace and he retired from public life. But he was called again to subdue the Portuguese opposition against Philip II, who claimed his dynastic rights to the throne of Portugal as he was the grandson of Don Manuel I (1580). After defeating Diego de Meneses' army and achieving the surrender of the Portuguese fleet, Alba's army entered Lisbon. As a reward for his efficiency, the elderly duke was made constable of Portugal and received the Golden Fleece. He died in Lisbon on December 11, 1582.
