Medrano personally oversaw the construction of thePort of Gibraltar and guarded its strait, including the coast ofAndalusia.[1] Diego de Medrano is noted for innovatingnaval warfare techniques by enhancing the design of his galleys, becoming the first person to successfully cross the ocean with this type of galley.[5] He contributed to the surrender ofFaial. For 25 years of service, he was awarded ahabit ofSantiago and the role as Squadron General and Captain of theSão João galleys in the Spanish Armada by KingPhilip II of Spain.[6][7]
Side view of the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and Tower inHinojosa del Campo, the town where Diego de Medrano was born.
Diego de Medrano was born inHinojosa del Campo, Soria, in 1545.[5] He was born into the ancient and noble Medrano family.[8] He was the son of the nobleman Juan Fernández de Medrano. Diego was the brother ofTomás Fernández de Medrano, Lord and Divisero of Valdeosera, Francisco Fernández de Medrano, Lord and Divisero of Regajal, and Lázaro Fernández de Medrano, an ensign in the military.[9]
The House ofMedrano is notable for being one of the most powerful in the Sierra de Cameros [es] and inSoria.[10] The House of Medrano managed their lordships and maintained their main resources,maizecultivation and especiallysheep farming.[11] Their livestock, which included 15,000 sheep,[12] grazed in those lands, and hundreds of times they walked to the pastures ofExtremadura or the royal valley of Alcudia, inLa Mancha.[10][13] The House of Medrano, Lords of the town of San Gregorio and many other entailed estates of the Medrano lineage in Soria and its region, areknights of great antiquity andnobility.[14]
Diego de Medrano stood out in the famous battles ofTerceira andLepanto. He was also crucial in the fight against corsairs on theGalician andPortuguese coasts.[6] On 7 February 1588, Diego de Medrano wrote a letter inLisbon, addressed to KingPhilip II of Spain, recalling all of his previousnaval warfare experience, writing:
I beseech you to remember my twenty-five years of service, including the twenty years in these galleys, during which I assisted in the relief of Cyprus as captain of the galley Fortuna of Naples, and also in the naval battle of Lepanto, where I served to the satisfaction of the late Don Juan of Austria, and in the expedition to Navarino, where I was entrusted with twelve galleys. In the expedition to Tunis and other occasions, the late Marqués de Santa Cruz entrusted me with many bands of galleys for Sicily, Naples, and Spain. When Your Majesty assigned the galleys to the said Marqués, he immediately sent me to winter in Gibraltar with eight galleys under my command, to attend to the construction of that port and the guard of that strait, as Your Majesty knows. The following spring, by Your Majesty's order, I accompanied Pedro de Vanegas on his return from Safi, who was going to Barbary with twelve galleys, and I continued with the squadron of galleys until they arrived at the expedition of this kingdom, guarding the coast of Andalucia. There were several occasions when I captured a French ship, which Your Majesty acknowledged with satisfaction, and I guarded the coast of Spain with them. I brought DonPedro de Padilla to Orán and to the officials who went to take possession of the African borders, all by Your Majesty's order. Lastly, I took the galleys to the Tercio, as Your Majesty knows and as I served.[1]
Order of battle of the two fleets atLepanto, with an allegory of the three powers of theHoly League in the foreground, fresco byGiorgio Vasari
In 1571, Diego de Medrano served as a captain and squadron general in theHoly League and participated in the victoriousbattle of Lepanto against theOttoman Empire in theGulf of Patras.[6] During the battle of Lepanto, Captain Diego de Medrano personally commanded theFortuna de Napoligalley,[15] with aFortuna as an ensign.[16] He foght alongside theMendoza de Naples under Martino de Caide, and theLuna de España under Diego López de Llanos. They formed the central division of 16 Spanish and Neapolitan galleys surrounding the flagship ofJohn of Austria.[6]
According to the historian Francisco Mosquera de Barnuevo, Diego de Medrano was a soldier of great determination and experience.[17] General Diego de Medrano commanded four Neapolitan galleys, leading a force of 400 sailors and 110 artillery pieces while overseeing 900 enslaved rowers.[6] In the history of naval warfare, the battle of Lepanto marks the last major engagement in the western world to be fought almost entirely between rowing vessels.[18] It was the largest naval battle in western history since classical antiquity, involving more than 450 warships. The victory of the Holy League is of great importance in the history of Europe and of the Ottoman Empire.[19]
In 1572, Juan de Austria wintered inNaples and received instructions from His Majesty to set out in the spring of 1573 with the fleet to captureTunis, as the Turks had seized the kingdom fromAbu Abdallah Muhammad V al-Hasan, a vassal of the King of Spain. His Highness directedÁlvaro de Bazán, Marquess of Santa Cruz to advance with 4,000 men to Tunis and, if possible, take control of the city and fortress.[20]
In the expedition to Tunis, theMarqués de Santa Cruz entrusted Captain Medrano with many bands of galleys for Sicily, Naples, and Spain.[1] Captain Diego de Medrano and the Marquess of Santa Cruz reached Tunis, and on their arrival the Turks and Moors there fled, abandoning the city and fortress, allowing the soldiers to secure good quarters and valuable spoils for the night. The next morning, the Marquess went out to meet Juan de Austria, handing over the keys to the fortress.[20]
In 1576, Captain Diego de Medrano and the Marquess of Santa Cruz embarked with 4,000 soldiers fromZaragoza and headed toMalta to plan a campaign against theKerkennah Islands. After successfully navigating the sandbanks and engaging in a skirmish with the Moors, the Marquess and Captain Medrano organized a landing operation. The operation involved Spanish infantry, cavalry from theOrder of Saint John, and horses specially brought for the campaign. During the battle, Captain Diego de Medrano was injured, but the forces managed to push the Moors back, securing the island and gaining valuable spoils.[20]
Captain Diego de Medrano, commanding theCapitana galley, courageously led the Spanish fleet on theAzores expedition—an achievement without precedent.[21]Álvaro de Bazán, Marquess of Santa Cruz, appointed squadron General Diego de Medrano to command twelve galleys which played a crucial role at thebattle of Terceira in 1583, ultimately securing the island.[3]
The naval battle of Vila Franca do Campo, also known as the naval battle of Terceira Island, started on 26 July 1582, off the coast of theisland of São Miguel in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores, during theWar of the Portuguese Succession. To reinforce the Spanish in this battle,Álvaro de Bazán, Marquess of Santa Cruz, meticulously prepared twelve galleys from the Spanish fleet and entrusted them to the "brave and experienced" Captain Diego de Medrano in the spring of 1583.[22] In theInvincible, he is mentioned among the valiant captains and lords who followed the Spanish fleet, specifically:
From the galleys, Captain Medrano, who led them on the expedition to the island of Terceira.[5]
Medrano's historic innovation of the Spanish Galleys
After Spain's first attempt at sailinggalleys to theAzores had failed in 1582, Diego de Medrano enhanced the galleys in 1583 by raising thebulwarks, modifying the rigging by adding threemasts, with the two main ones equipped with squaresails.[23] Diego's efforts allowed him to achieve a very successful voyage to the Island ofSão Miguel. He was the first to cross the ocean with this type of galley, and was mainly responsible for the surrender of theisland of Terceira, and ultimately, the surrender ofFaial Island.[23] Diego de Medrano's galleys were the first to be seen on theopen sea, something never accomplished before.[5]
On Sunday the 26th of June, since the weather was in their favor, the Marquess decided to send the twelve galleys ahead under the command of Captain Diego de Medrano.[24] Medrano's galleys set sail before the rest of the fleet and arrived at San Miguel without incident on 3 July 1583.[25] On 10 July 1583, Jorge Manrique wrote to King Philip II of Spain regarding Captain Medrano's successful navigation and victory:
Captain Diego Medrano crossed with the 12 galleys, and during the navigation, he was so vigilant and careful, and everything turned out so well, that he deserves to be shown great favor by Your Majesty, as a demonstration, so that others may be encouraged to take on what everyone judged to be so difficult, and to encourage him to do so, considering its great importance. I promised him in the gulf that I would bring this matter to Your Majesty, as I am doing now, and I beg Your Majesty to release me from this obligation, as everything should be for your better service. May God keep you, etc. — From the city ofPunta Delgada, July 10, 1583. — D. Jorge Manrique.[26]
Despite the risks of navigating the Gulf of the Yeguas in low, broad ships prone to instability in rough seas—especially given previous difficulties encountered by ships sent by Alonso Bazán—Medrano and his twelve galleys successfully reached the island of San Miguel. This achievement was greatly admired and celebrated by the Spanish.[5] According to the Spanish historian and writerLuis Cabrera de Córdoba in his famousHistoria de Felipe II:
The twelve galleys of the Spanish fleet were well-prepared at Santa Cruz and were entrusted to Captain Medrano. It seemed reckless to rely on low-lying, long and unstable ships in the face of high waves (...) yet these twelve arrived safely at the island of San Miguel, a thing to admire and celebrate in the hearts of the Spanish.[27][28]
On 3 July 1583, Diego de Medrano was ordered to navigate the Island independently before the rest of the fleet arrived. It took the rest of the fleet 10 days after the galleys' arrival to finally gather at São Miguel.[24]
The entire fleet continued its journey with light winds, until Wednesday, July 7, when the island of São Miguel was sighted. Medrano'sCapitana gathered the fleet on the 13th, which allowed them to finally anchor in the town of Villafranca and the city ofPunta Delgada, within sight of each other, four leagues apart. Once anchored, they replenished supplies.[24]
On Diego's arrival, instructions were issued for the tercio of Agustín Íñiguez de Zárate, which comprised 2,288 soldiers, to board his twelve galleys.[29] The fleet was also tasked with loading the siege artillery, gun carriages, carts, and all the equipment needed to operate the artillery, along with the mules required to move the pieces, as well as the munitions and supplies stored on São Miguel.[29] In addition, the 22 "large flat-bottomed boats designed specifically for disembarking infantry" that were on the island were to be transported for the conquest of Terceira.[29]
Diego de Medrano, as the captain of theCapitana and Squadron General of the twelve Spanish Galleys, participated in thewar council sessions led by the Marquess of Santa Cruz, where strategic discussions and decisions were made regarding the amphibious assault. Medrano's involvement was crucial due to the important role the galleys played in supporting the landing. Alongside other key military leaders, Medrano contributed to the unified command and coordinated efforts necessary for the successful conquest of Terceira.[29]
Álvaro de Bazán issued orders establishing rules of conduct for the military discipline of both his soldiers and his naval and land officers during the campaign. Soldiers were instructed not to act in combat beyond the orders of their superiors, under penalty of being punished.[29] Álvaro de Bazán also ruled that:
If the fleet anchors or lands anywhere, no one is to go ashore, nor is any boat or skiff or any other type of vessel to go ashore, without permission from [Medrano's]Capitana.[29]
Diego de Medrano, who commanded the galleys, was instructed by the Captain General to reinforce his galleys involved in the landing operation to protect them from enemy fire. This included adding "thick plank screens" to their sides and reinforcing the rams with additional protections like "canvas bags, ropes, and planks."[29]
The galleys assigned to bombard the defenses of the cove of das Molas carried 50-60 arquebusiers and musketeers each, who were responsible for suppressing the defenders and covering the landing. Medrano's personalCapitana galley, likely one of the four bombarding the fortifications, may have carried additional soldiers due to its larger size and central role in the attack.[29]
The galleys provided direct artillery support to destroy the defenses at das Molas and tow the landing boats and other vessels to the site, occupying land and beach. The rowers were required to exert significant effort to reach the objective quickly, which was crucial for the success of the operation. They set sail for the Island of Terceira.[29]
Captain Diego de Medrano's Spanish Galleys arrive at thebattle of Terceira (1583)
The Spanish fleet arrived at Terceira Island on the morning of Saturday, July 23.[6] Captain Diego de Medrano stood out in the front line during the conquest of Terceira Island in 1583. Medrano's galleys allowed formarine infantry to be used for the first time in order to occupy beaches and land.[6]
Of the twelve available galleys, eight of his galleys directly supported the landing operation. Four of these galleys were tasked with rowing to the bay of das Mós without towing landing boats, likely to clear enemy boats, serve as scouts, and engage the fort and trenches with their fire. The remaining four galleys were responsible for towing between 7 and 8 large flat-bottomed landing boats each, securing them in the bay until the order to land was given.[29]
During thebattle of Terceira in 1583, Diego's relative Juan de Medrano participated with him in the campaign. Captain Juan de Medrano, leader of one of the sevencompanies under the command of Juan de Sandoval, Marquess of Villamizar, brother ofFrancisco de Sandoval y Rojas, V Marquess of Denia (future Duke of Lerma), with fifteen banners from Naples and Lombardy, drawn from the garrisons of Portugal, leading a force of one thousand five hundred and forty-four soldiers.[30]
The Spanish victory in 1583 resulted in the rapid Spanish conquest of theAzores and completed the incorporation ofPortugal into theSpanish Empire.[31] Contemporary observers recognized the magnitude of this union. The Dominican preacher Brother Hernando del Castillo wrote that, with the union of the kingdoms of Portugal and Castile, Philip II would be "the most powerful lord and king in the world."[32]
The conquest of Terceira in 1583 and the success of the campaign was not only due to the strength and discipline of the forces but also to the meticulous planning and execution of the landing by Diego de Medrano. His galleys were crucial in selecting the right landing site, executing a feint towards Plaía, and defending and ensuring the swift consolidation of the beachhead, which were key factors in the overall victory. The operation's success, characterized by surprise and rapid exploitation of the initial gains, is considered a model for modern amphibious assaults. The lessons learned from this campaign were so significant that Álvaro de Bazán, from the city ofAngra, proposed a similar expedition againstEngland the following year, confident in the abilities of his experienced Captains.[30]
In late 1587, as Spain concentrated its naval forces inAndalusia andLisbon forAtlantic operations,piracy surged inGalicia and theAlgarve. Despite recommendations to reinforce coastal defenses, no permanent galley force was stationed in the region. Instead, four of Portugal’s best galleys were removed, reinforced, and integrated into theFelicíssima Armada under Diego de Medrano’s command.[33]
Route of the Spanish Armada during the invasion of England in 1588
In 1588, the King of Spain rewarded Diego's 25 years of service, innovation of the galleys and victory at the islands of Terceira, Lepanto and Faial, by granting him thehabit ofSantiago and appointed him to command the four galleys of Portugal that were part of theSpanish Armada.[23] The São João galleys of Portugal in the Spanish Armada appointed to Captain Diego de Medrano were named:Capitana,Princesa,Diana andBazana.[6][34] In response, Captain Diego de Medrano wrote to KingPhilip II of Spain in a letter dated 7 February 1588 inLisbon:
Sir: I have learned from Don Alonso de Bazán that Your Majesty wishes for me to take charge of the galleys on this expedition. I humbly kiss Your Majesty’s feet for the favor granted to me in this matter... I beseech Your Majesty to grant me a favor in accordance with the quality of my person and honor, and may God preserve Your Majesty with increased life and greater realms and lordships, as Christendom needs and this vassal desires. From Lisbon, February 7, 1588. Diego de Medrano.[1]
In 1588, Diego de Medrano commanded four Portuguese galleys as part of the Spanish Armada. These vessels were manned by a total of 362 sailors and 888 rowers and were armed with 20 artillery pieces, carrying 1,200 cannonballs, 60 units of gunpowder, 20 units of lead, and 20 coils of rope. Each galley had five cannons and was similarly supplied, with theCapitana having the largest crew of 106 sailors and 303 rowers, followed by thePrincesa,Diana, andBaçana. These galleys were a key component of Spain’s naval operations, though their effectiveness was limited by the challenges of open-sea navigation in the Atlantic.[35]
In 1588, The Catholic King, set on avenging the death ofMary, Queen of Scots, and reinstatingCatholicism, launched an enterprise onProtestant England. After the death of Don Alonso de Bazán, Marquess of Santa Cruz, the King appointedAlonso de Guzmán y Sotomayor, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia to replace the Marquess and to lead the Spanish Armada. The Duke followed the advice of many brave captains and leaders accompanying the Armada, notably Captain Medrano, who had 25 years of previous experience in naval warfare.[22]
In the fleet, squadron General and Captain Diego de Medrano was positioned with his Portuguese squadron under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, starboard of the Castilian squadron led by Don Flores de Valdés.[6]
In late May, Medrano set sail from Lisbon with the fleet, anchoring inCascais on May 29th. The galleys assisted in maneuvering the larger galleons out of Portugal due to weak winds.[36]
Before leaving for theEnglish Channel, the Duke of Medina Sidonia told Diego de Medrano to wait for him inMuxía Bay, four leagues beyond the Cape. Upon sighting the Armada, de Medrano was instructed to join him immediately, without delay. For several weeks, General Diego de Medrano's galleys—Capitana,Princesa,Diana, andBazana—took refuge in Muxía Bay.[6]
After several weeks of refuge in Muxía Bay, Captain Diego de Medrano received new orders to set course forA Coruña, due to a severe storm which forced the Duke of Medina Sidonia to anchor there. On his way to A Coruña, Captain Diego de Medrano captured twoEnglish ships.[4]
On June 10, Medrano's galleys—Capitana,Diana,La Bazana, andLa Princesa—were sent ahead to La Coruña to restock provisions, as many of those initially loaded were of poor quality.[36]
Diego de Medrano and his galleys from Muxía arrived in A Coruña on 17 June 1588. The main fleet, caught in a severe storm, arrived in La Coruña on June 18, whileDiana sustained damage and was later redirected to Lisbon for repairs, ending its role in the campaign. The Duke of Medina Sidonia's fleet remained in port, and the ships scattered by the storm rejoined. The Duke of Medina Sidonia resupplied in A Coruña while Captain Diego de Medrano and his galleys helped with loading and unloading.[6]
A council of generals was held on Medrano'sCapitana galley.[37] Several meetings of captains were convened, with gatherings on the 18th, 19th, and 20 July 1588.[37]
On 18 July 1588, it was unanimously agreed to alter the combat formation to a structure consisting of three squadrons or tactical groups: vanguard, main battle group, and rearguard. The transport ships, primarily the urcas and smaller vessels, would be positioned in the main battle group, which would be flanked by the galleys and galleasses.[37]
The Spanish Armada officially set sail fromLisbon on 21 July 1588 (N.S), and headed for the English Channel.[38] On July 22, Medrano's galleys departed with the reassembled fleet. On July 23, strong favorable winds propelled the armada forward, benefiting larger ships but posing challenges for the aging galleys. That same day,Diana began leaking severely, forcing it to divert toVivero, where it arrived heavily damaged. After repairs, it was sent to Lisbon and took no further part in the campaign. Medrano's remaining three galleys continued without major issues. He noted that, despite using only theirforesails, they outpaced other ships that hadfull sails set. Medrano continued with the remaining three galleys, and by July 24-25, under favorable southwest winds, the fleet covered over 300miles in 53 hours.[36]
In the year 1588 the General Don Diego Medrano, commanding the galleys, was directed to open the orders he was given only on sighting theLizard, on the coast of Cornwall; when he made this headland he carried out these directions and found that he was ordered to set another course, one that conflicted with all the requirements both of seamanship and tactics--the more obviously so in view of the advantageous position he was in. For instance, he had made the coast where required, in a very favorable spot; he had thetides with him; he had the advantage of thewind; and through their neglect he had surprised the enemy, who were taken unawares by his arrival. And therefore I am certain that if he had been left to himself, he would have carried out his operations like a good seaman, always keeping the enemy fleet in his sights, if that accursed order had not impeded him...[39][40]
However, conditions deteriorated on July 26 when a strong northerly wind and squalls struck. By the following day, the storm worsened, with rough seas battering the fleet. Medrano’s galleys remained visible throughout July 26 but lost contact by nightfall due to worsening seas, rain, and low visibility. Seeking shelter, they diverted toward the French coast with the patache Nuestra Señora de Gracia for support.[36]
During their expedition to England in 1588, Captain Diego de Medrano requested permission fromJuan Martínez de Recalde to leave the fleet. The Diana took on a lot of water upon entering theCantabrian Sea, as Medrano observed that the waters were too rough for the galleys.[6] Medrano's galleys had left the fleet before the first encounter with the English fleet. Captain Diego de Medrano and his galleys returned on 26 July 1588, after enduring the storm, however 200 cannons were removed from the Armada as a result.[6]
Medrano'sCapitana galley, which had 5 cannons, 57 sailors, and 56 soldiers returned to an unknown Spanish port. TheBazana galley, which had 5 cannons, 40 sailors, and 26 soldiers, returned to the coast of Spain. TheDiana galley, which had 5 cannons, 47 sailors, and 32 soldiers, returned toA Coruña.[6] According to the English,Diana sank near Boulogne, France,[41] however this galley was in A Coruña whenDrake and Norreys' fleet attacked in 1589, leading to the myth ofMaría Pita.[6]
On the night of July 27,La Princesa reached Blavet (Lorient) and later returned to San Sebastián. The Capitana attempted to rejoin the fleet but was unable to and instead assistedLa Bazana, which was taking on water. On July 30, Medrano attempted to towLa Bazana, but a violent squall forced them apart. TheCapitana was severely damaged, losing two cannons, its oars, and part of its structure, ultimately disappearing from sight alongside the remaining galleys and thepatache.[36]
At dawn on July 31, Medrano’sCapitana sighted the French coast and foundLa Bazana, which had run aground the night before. By midday,La Bazana lost itsrudder and became further stranded. Meanwhile, thepatache Nuestra Señora de Gracia successfully reached San Sebastián. While Medrano's galleys struggled, the Spanish fleet continued toward England, facing storms and heavy losses.[36]
The absence of galleys became critical on July 31 when theNuestra Señora del Rosario was abandoned after losing itsmasts, as no galleys were available to tow it. Similar issues arose on August 2, when a lack of maneuverability cost the fleet a chance to attack stranded English ships. The need for galleys became evident again on August 6, when English fire ships forced the fleet to scatter, leading to the disastrousbattle of Gravelines and the eventual failure of the campaign.[36]
Appointment as Interim Admiral of the Spanish Armada
In the aftermath of the Spanish Armada's failed campaign in 1588, Captain Diego de Medrano became interimAdmiral of the Spanish Armada during the retreat of the remaining fleet.[4] After the Duke of Medina Sidonia and the bulk of the Armada reachedSantander, Captain Diego de Medrano temporarily took command following the death of AdmiralMiguel de Oquendo.[4]
Interim Admiral Don Diego de Medrano was responsible for leading the remnants of the fleet during a particularly challenging period, marked by severe storms and the loss of several ships, including theSanta Ana, which accidentally exploded in the port of El Pasaje. Despite the difficulties, Medrano's leadership helped to manage the scattered and depleted fleet as they sought refuge along the northern coasts of Spain.[4]
Strategic mistakes, particularly the inability to effectively coordinate the Armada with Farnese's Army in Flanders, along with delays that led to unfavorable weather conditions, ultimately doomed the operation.[20] Medrano's galleys were a vital part of thearmada, having proven their capability in the 1583 conquest of Terceira and prior Atlantic voyages. While not ideal for open-ocean travel, they were adaptable, but the severe July storm severely impacted their role.Galleasses demonstrated their firepower and strategic value but were hindered by limited maneuverability. Their effectiveness would have been greater if properly manned and supported by galleys, as Santa Cruz had recommended, following their successful coordination at the battle of Lepanto.[42]
Shield of Medrano withsablebend. The cartouche reads: "Arms of Medrano: Originally, it was the plain cross on a field ofwar when taking part in the Battle of Baya in 1221. They took the flag with gold saltires on a field of war when participating in theBattle of Salado on October 30, 1340."
Diego de Medrano was born during the reign ofCharles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who ruled as King of Spain from 1519 to 1556. On 1 September 1552, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, issued the Carta Ejecutoria de Hidalguía to confirm the noble status of the Medrano family. Detailed genealogical records are presented to support his family's claim to nobility. The document, created inValladolid andArenas, Spain, concludes with official signatures and seals, affirming their noble status. It contains copies of documents issued in the names of the Countess Juana Pimentel, KingHenry III,Álvaro de Luna, and others.[45]
Coat of arms ofMedrano on top of the coat of arms of Valdeosera as seen in the political treatiseRepublica Mista by Tomás Fernández de Medrano, 1602.[46]
Diego de Medrano was the paternal uncle of Juan Fernández de Medrano y Sandoval and Maria Ana Fernández de Medrano y Sandoval, legitimate children of Tomas Fernández de Medrano and Isabel de Sandoval, his wife, a relative of Francisco de Sandoval y Rojas, 1st Duke of Lerma.[43]
Diego's second brother Francisco Fernández de Medrano was the Lord and Divisero of Regajal, who fought during theFrench Wars of Religion underAlexander Farnese, Duke of Parma. Francisco Fernández de Medrano married Maria Ana de Espinosa.[43] His brother Francisco was the ancestor ofDiego Fernández de Medrano y Zapata, Lord and Divisero of Regajal, Governor of the Province of Carrión in the valley of Atlixco.
Captain Diego de Medrano was the paternal uncle of Diego Fernández de Medrano y Espinosa and Don Francisco Fernández de Medrano y Espinosa, legitimate sons of Don Francisco Fernández de Medrano and Doña María Ana de Espinosa, his wife, Lords of the Solar and Divisa de Regajal. El Regajal is a unique estate located in the municipality of Aranjuez, at the southern border of the Community of Madrid.
Diego's nephew Diego Fernández de Medrano y Espinosa was born in Logroño in 1564, his grandfather had also been a secretary to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.[47] In 1607, he was appointed chaplain of honor, judge of the royal chapel, administrator and deputy of the Royal Hospital of the court and even testamentary executor ofMargaret of Austria, Queen of Spain.[47]
Diego's brother Captain Francisco Fernández de Medrano was registered in the census of divisional knights: "captain, neighbor of Entrena. Registered on 1 May 1596. Divisa de Regajal."[10]
In the lists of councilors published by José María Bañuelos, his brother "Captain Francisco de Medrano" appears as a yearly councilor in 1606, along with "Captain Medrano" in 1612, 1615, and 1628.[50]
Diego's third brother Lázaro Fernández de Medrano served in the military as anensign. Lázaro Fernández de Medrano, a resident ofEntrena, was registered on May 1, 1596, in the land of Valdeosera, from theVelilla branch, lords of that town.[43]
In the late 15th and early 16th centuries, The Medrano family in the Kingdom of Castile maintained a very successfulrope business under the direction of Diego's relative, Martine de Medrano. Martine was responsible for running his father's rope trading business fromSan Juan, Puerto Rico, the gateway toNew Spain.[56]
^The Pérez de Araciel de Alfaro By Manuel Luis Ruiz de Bucesta y Álvarez, Member and Founding Partner of the ARGH Vice Director of the Asturian Academy of Heraldry and Genealogy Correspondent of the Belgian-Spanish Academy of History Pages. 50-51https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/3991718.pdf
^abcLa conquista de las Azores en 1583, descrita por el Capitán de Navío Cesáreo Fernández Duro de la Real Academia de la Historia. Pages 426-427https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/71525375.pdf
^CABRERA DE CÓRDOBA, L., Historia de Felipe II. Rey de España, edición de José Martínez Millán y Carlos Javier de Carlos Morales, Valladolid: Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería de Educación y Cultura, 1998, 3 vols, Tomo III, p. 1020.
^Casado Soto, José L (1991). "Atlantic shipping in sixteenth-century Spain and the 1588 Armada". In Rodríguez-Salgado, M J; Adams, Simon (eds.). England, Spain and the Gran Armada 1585–1604. Barnes & Noble. ISBN 0389209554
^The Pérez de Araciel de Alfaro by Manuel Luis Ruiz de Bucesta y Álvarez Member and Founding Partner of the ARGH Vice Director of the Asturian Academy of Heraldry and Genealogy Correspondent of the Belgian-Spanish Academy of History Pages 50-51https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/3991718.pdf
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