Sebastián de la Cuadra, 1st Marquess of Villarías

The Most Excellent The Marquess of Villarías KOS OSJ
First Secretary of State of Spain
In office 26 November 1736 – 4 December 1746
Monarchs	Philip V Ferdinand VI
Preceded by	José Patiño
Succeeded by	José de Carvajal
Secretary of State for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Justice and Jurisdiction of Spain
In office 6 December 1741 – 3 January 1747
Monarchs	Philip V Ferdinand VI
First Secretary of State	Himself José de Carvajal
Preceded by	Jose Rodrigo y Villapando
Succeeded by	Himself (as interim)
Interim
In office 3 January – 8 October 1747
Monarch	Ferdinand VI
First Secretary of State	José de Carvajal
Preceded by	Himself
Succeeded by	Alonso Muñiz y Caso Osorio
Secretary of State for War of Spain
Interim
In office 26 November 1736 – 18 March 1737
Monarch	Philip V
First Secretary of State	Himself
Preceded by	José Patiño y Rosales
Succeeded by	Duke of Montemar
In office 27 Ocotober 1741 – 11 April 1743
Monarch	Philip V
First Secretary of State	Himself
Preceded by	Duke of Montemar
Succeeded by	Marquess of Ensenada
Secretary of State for Navy and Indies of Spain
In office 10 March 1739 – 11 April 1743
Monarch	Philip V
First Secretary of State	Himself
Preceded by	Mateo Pablo Díaz de Lavandero
Succeeded by	Marquess of Ensenada
Personal details
Born	19 January 1687 San Julián de Musques, Spain
Died	23 April 1766(1766-04-23) (aged 79) Madrid, Spain

Sebastián de la Cuadra y Llarena, 1st Marquess of Villarías (19 January 1687 – 23 April 1766) was a Spanish statesman. He served as Chief Minister (First Secretary of State) between 1736 and 1746 during the reign of Philip V of Spain.

Simón de la Cuadra y Llarena was born into a prominent Basque noble family in San Julián de Muskiz, within the historic region of Las Encartaciones, Biscay. He was the son of Simón de la Cuadra Medrano, a powerful rural aristocrat and ironmaster who served as Mayor of the Valley of Somorrostro in 1693, 1697, and 1699.^[1]

In 1705, his father established a mayorazgo (entailed estate), linking to it the Casa Torre de la Puente de Muskiz, two farmsteads, two mills, and the principal iron forges of Villochi and El Pobal, along with extensive forests—demonstrating the family’s wealth and industrial influence in the ironworking economy of northern Spain.^[1]

His mother, María de Llarena y Sobrado, also came from the local landed nobility. Simón belonged to a large family with eleven siblings, including Agustín de la Cuadra y Llarena, who began his political career as Mayor of the Valley of Somorrostro, and later rose to serve as General Trustee (Síndico Procurador General) of Las Encartaciones (Enkarterri) in 1705, representing the entire autonomous region before the Lordship of Biscay and the Crown. Augustín succeeded his brother as 2nd Marquess of Villarías.^[1]

Simón’s paternal grandparents were Francisco de la Cuadra de Llano, alderman of Muskiz, and Isabel de Medrano y Foncerrada, daughter of Santiago de Medrano and María Foncerrada. Through the Medrano line, Simón inherited descent from a distinguished Navarrese-Castilian family with judicial prestige and noble ancestry.^[2]

He received his early education at the local school in San Julián, located on the banks of the Barbadún River, before being sent to Madrid in 1700 to begin a career at court. There, he served as a page to José de Grimaldo, who would later become Secretary of State. As Grimaldo’s protégé, Simón refined his manners and political preparation. In 1703, he was formally introduced into the administrative career that would lead him to the highest levels of government.^[3]

Under the patronage of José de Grimaldo, Sebastián de la Cuadra began his ascent through the Spanish royal administration. In 1705, he was appointed an official of the Secretariat of the Office of War and Finance, gradually rising through the ranks over the following two decades. On 30 November 1714, he was promoted to sixth official, followed by fourth officer on 1 May 1717, and second officer on 21 November 1719. He reached the position of senior officer (oficial mayor) in 1723, and was subsequently appointed Secretary to the King with authority over the issuance of royal decrees.^[3]

In parallel with his administrative career, Sebastián maintained his ties to his native Muskiz, a Basque town known for its iron mines and smelting industry. In 1719, he was named Mayor of Muskiz, where his family owned two forges, one of which had been operational since the 15th century. However, he remained based in Madrid, delegating his responsibilities in Muskiz to his brother, Agustín de la Cuadra. In 1730, he was admitted as a Knight of the Military Order of Santiago (entry no. 2239), further affirming his noble status and royal favor.^[3]

On March 3, 1732, he reached the rank of secretary of the Secretariat of Aragon of the Chamber of Castile and obtained the title of secretary ad honorem.^[3]

In 1736, following the death of José Patiño, Sebastián de la Cuadra y Llarena was appointed First Secretary of State, effectively becoming Spain’s chief minister under King Philip V. From 1741 onward, he also assumed oversight of the Justice Department, consolidating significant influence across the Spanish administration.^[3] His tenure coincided with Spain’s involvement in two major conflicts: the War of Jenkins’ Ear (against Britain) and the War of the Austrian Succession, particularly in the Italian theatre.^[3]

During his tenure, he managed Spain’s involvement in the War of Jenkins’ Ear against Britain and, acting under Queen Elisabeth Farnese’s influence, directed the country's military intervention in Italy to secure crowns for her sons—Charles, who would rule the Two Sicilies and later Spain, and Philip, who became Duke of Parma.^[4]

In August 1746, Jaime Vélaz de Medrano y Barros, 3rd Marquess of Tabuérniga—then enjoying renewed favor at the Spanish court under the reign of Ferdinand VI—approached Prime Minister Sebastián de la Cuadra, Marquess of Villarías, with British proposals for a potential peace agreement. His prior service in London, familiarity with British ministers, and informal role as a conduit between the two courts positioned him as a credible intermediary in these delicate negotiations.^[5] Villarías responded favorably, expressing Spain’s willingness to accept the terms.^[6] However, the negotiations ultimately faltered over disagreements concerning the future of Naples, and the peace initiative collapsed—although the Spanish Crown remained open to resuming discussions at a later time.^[5]

In recognition of his service, Sebastián de la Cuadra was granted the noble title of Marquess of Villarías (Marqués de Villarías) by royal decree on 22 March 1739. The distinction—occasionally bestowed upon First Ministers during or following their tenure—formally acknowledged his prominent role within the highest ranks of Spanish governance. He remained in office until December 1746, when he was succeeded by José de Carvajal y Lancáster.^[3]

He also helped Agustín de Montiano y Luyando to obtain royal protection in 1738 for the foundation of the Royal Academy of History and initiated the procedures for the foundation of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.^[3]

Villarías personally took up a primitive idea in 1726 of the constitution of an Academy, taking as his best collaborator the sculptor Juan Domingo Olivieri. This Genoese was called by this defendant in 1739 to make him the first sculptor of the Court.^[3]

His personal success, as well as his integration into the court environment, made him establish in 1741 a sculpture academy in his house —on the first floor of the palace—, consecrated in a public meeting presided over by his protector Sebastian De la Cuadra Medrano y Llarena, held in the house of Anne Auguste de Montmorency, princess of Robec.^[3]

Sebastian was a prominent co-founder of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in 1744. The recognition of his protection over this academy is perfectly reflected in the work 'The Allegory of Fine Arts', painted by Antonio González Ruiz, which is an evident reflection of the recognition of his management, since the author wanted to immortalize his portrait in the lower right corner.^[3]

From these assemblies, in 1744, Olivieri and the Marquis of Villarías drafted a project for the foundation of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts entitled "Rules that are proposed to the Hon. Mr. Marqués de Villarías so that after two years of practice that seem convenient for now, they can contribute to the formation of laws for the Academy of Sculpture, Painting and Architecture that is intended to be founded in Madrid under the protection of the King". Later, and after different procedures, it was approved in 1744 by the Marquis himself, first on May 20 and, definitively, by the King on July 13 with the foundation of said Royal Academy.^[3]

It was then that the "Preparatory Board" was formed, in which The Marquis of Villarías became the main protector of the company. In this way, he, and the rest of the members of the board, fell on all the responsibilities until the definitive institutional creation of the Academy of Fine Arts by Fernando VI in 1751.^[3]

Although Sebastián de la Cuadra left for court service at a young age, he maintained strong ties to his native land. Through his role as an intermediary in various disputes and administrative matters affecting the Señorío de Vizcaya and Las Encartaciones, often appealing directly to the King, he became a prominent patron and protector of those territories. His efforts not only served the interests of his own family but also positioned him as a political and cultural benefactor of the broader region.

His influence at court and his proximity to the monarch enabled him to extend patronage to numerous relatives and associates from the Basque Country. He secured appointments for six of his nephews within the Secretariat of State and the departments he directed, and facilitated the nomination of several relatives to high-ranking ecclesiastical positions across various cathedral chapters.

Despite residing in Madrid, Sebastián continued to hold official posts in his homeland, likely administered by proxies such as his elder brother Agustín de la Cuadra. He was named alderman (regidor) of the Señorío in 1730, deputy general in 1740, and from 1722, held the provostship of the towns of Ondarroa, Guernica, and Bermeo.

Also in 1722, he was granted the patronage of the churches of San Andrés de Gámiz and San Andrés de Pedernales, further expanding his religious and social influence within Biscay. In parallel, he engaged in philanthropic activities in his hometown, directing significant capital toward economic development and community donations—solidifying his role not only as a statesman but also as a benefactor of his "small homeland."

In 1742, Sebastián de la Cuadra, along with several members of his family, began the near-complete reconstruction of the parish church of San Juan Bautista de Somorrostro. As part of the new design, he commissioned the construction of a chapel on the Gospel side dedicated to Saint Clement, where his coat of arms was prominently displayed. The chapel also houses a Carrara marble bust of Sebastián himself, underscoring his patronage and lasting legacy.

In declining health and having remained unmarried, the Marquess of Villarías made his last will and testament on 9 March 1766, naming his brother Agustín de la Cuadra as his universal and sole heir, with succession passing to his nephew Simón de la Cuadra in the event of Agustín’s death.

Through said testament he founded the bond and mayorazgo, which was added to the one that had been constituted by his father, integrating the title of Castilla de Marqués de Villarías, his jurisdiction and his Lordship and Vassalage. All the houses, lands and other possessions that in that town of Villarías and Merindad de Castilla la Vieja, his brother Agustín had bought as a result of the orders that he had given him for this, were also joined. The portions of land that he had bought in the meadow of Villanueva de la Serena (Badajoz), made up of 5,133 and a half head of sheep, were added.

Sebastián died in Madrid on April 23, 1766, at the age of seventy-nine, and was buried the following day in the Church of the Convent of the Ministers of the Sick (Clérigos Regulares Ministrantes a los Enfermos Agonizantes), located on Fuencarral Street in the Villa y Corte.^[3]

Sebastián de la Cuadra was of a quiet and discrete nature. He was very religious and never married. He had a large network to gather all necessary information to serve the King and even more the Queen. The British Ambassador Benjamin Keene didn't hold him in high regards, and the Queen treated him as a servant.^[4]

He died without issue on 23 April 1766. The 2nd Marquess of Villarías was his brother, Agustín de la Cuadra y de Llarena, (5 November 1679 - married 17 December 1709 to Andresa Manuela de Mollinedo).

Agustin and Sebastian had a sister, Francisca de la Cuadra y de Llarena, born also in San Julián de Musques on 13 October 1697. She married Simon de Llano y Musquez on 16 February 1716; they had 8 children. Among their children were:

• Sebastián de Llano y la Cuadra, born in 1727, who married in The Hague, Holland, Baroness María de Adelmar Paniariui, in 1783. He became the 3rd Marquess of Villarías in 1766 and was promoted to conde de Senafé (8 August 1780), awarded by King Charles III of Spain. He was also Ambassador to the United Provinces under King Charles IV of Spain.
• José Antonio de Llano y la Cuadra. Ambassador in Vienna, Austria, He was promoted to Marqués de Llano on the death in 1794 of his brother José Agustín.
• José Agustín de Llano y la Cuadra (15 October 1722 - 5 March 1794), born also in San Julián de Musques (today Muskiz, in Basque language). Oficial Mayor to the First Secretary of State, Ambassador in Vienna, Austria, Knight of the Military Order of Santiago in 1741, (sig. 4729), 1st Marqués de Llano, (23 April 1772), by King Charles III of Spain. He married on 12 June 1770 the very wealthy Isabel Parreño, from Corral de Almaguer, province of Toledo, Spain. She was painted by the famous Danish-German Court painter Anton Raphael Mengs (1728–1779), and protected in Vienna in 1785, Spanish opera and ballet composer Vicente Martín y Soler, (Valencia, 1754 - Saint Petersburg, Russia, January 1806) monitoring him to become the Director, court composer, after 1788 of the Saint Petersburg Opera, with Empress Catherine II of Russia.

Sebastián de la Cuadra y Llarena descended from the distinguished de la Cuadra Medrano lineage, a noble family rooted in San Julián de Muskiz. His paternal uncle Francisco de la Cuadra Medrano served as Mayor of the Valley of Somorrostro in 1717 and Procurador General in 1719.^[1] Francisco married María de Achiaga de la Bodega, and their children included Pedro de la Cuadra Achiaga, Archbishop of Burgos; Nicolás de la Cuadra Achiaga, Secretary to the King, Mayor of Somorrostro in 1725, and Knight of the Order of Santiago (1730); and Francisco de la Cuadra Achiaga, who inherited the family estate. Their daughter Isabel de la Cuadra Achiaga became the grandmother of José Antonio de Salcedo, Lord of the Torre Menor de Salcedo de Aranguren and ancestor of the Marquesses of Castillejos, notably Juan Prim, 1st Marquess of Castillejos, and Prime Minister of Spain, a leading figure of the Glorious Revolution who was assassinated in 1870.^[1]

Sebastián’s paternal aunt Isabel de la Cuadra Medrano married Juan de la Bodega y Salazar. Their daughter, Isabel de la Bodega y de la Cuadra, baptized in Santa Juliana de Abanto in 1681, married Pedro de Lavalle y San Martín, a member of another distinguished Basque lineage. Through these close relatives, Sebastián was firmly embedded within a network of ecclesiastical power, royal service, and noble patronage that extended across the Basque Country and into the Castilian court.^[1]

• List of prime ministers of Spain
• Jaime Vélaz de Medrano y Barros, III Marquess of Tabuérniga

• MCN Biography (in Spanish)
• Genealogy (in Spanish)
• Euskomedia Biography (in Spanish)
• Juan Antonio Llorente, (born 1756 - 1823), Noticias históricas de las tres provincias vascongadas, Alava, Guipuzcoa y Vizcaya en que se procura .., Madrid Imprenta Real, (1808),consulted in Internet, (22 July 2009), at the Library of the University of Michigan, U.S. A. :
• Noticias históricas de las tres provincias vascongadas ..., reprint of this Bonapartist member of the Spanish Inquisition, Author Juan Antonio Llorente, Edición 3, Editor Editorial Amigos del Libro Vasco, (1984) ISBN 84-7572-119-2, ISBN 978-84-7572-119-4, 479 pages.
• W. F. REDDAWAY, Don Sebastian de Llano and the Danish Revolution, The English Historical Review, Vol. 41, No. 161 (Jan., 1926), pp. 78–90, (article consists of 13 pages), Published by: Oxford University Press.