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Fernando Antonio de Toledo Fonseca y Ayala
3rd Conde de Ayala
(1600–76)

Other names: Fernando de Fonseca y Toledo

Biographical

Viceroy of Sicily 1660–63
3rd Conde de Ayala 1614–76†
9th Señor de Coca 1605–76†
9th Señor de  Alejos 1605–76†
6th Señor de Villoria 1614–76†
Señor de Doncos
Knight of the Order of Santiago 1633 [Spain]
Trece of the Order of Santiago
State Councillor 1666
Member of the War Council 1666
Captain general of Sicily 1660–63
Comendador de Bastimentos de Castilla 1655–74 ren.
Gentleman of the chamber to Philip IV

Fernando, dedicated to military service from a young age, served in various campaigns, including in the Kingdom of Naples, the Duchy of Milan, and Sicily. In 1622, he joined his uncle, Antonio Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba, on an expedition to Naples, later serving in several military positions, including as general of cavalry during the Portuguese uprising. He was appointed viceroy, lieutenant, and captain-general of Sicily in 1659, holding this post until 1663 when he was replaced. After returning to Spain, he became a counsellor of the Council of State in 1666. In his later years, he faced financial struggles, leading him to request royal assistance in 1668 to settle his debts and ensure his wife received the rent owed to her. Following his death, his widow, Catalina Fajardo, inherited his privileges, and royal decrees in 1678 provided her with financial support due to her dire circumstances, including protection in a legal case regarding outstanding debts.

Place of birth: Madrid
Place of baptism: Parish of Santa Cruz de la Villa
Place of second marriage: El Pardo
Place of death: Parish of parish of Santiago, Madrid
Place of burial: Church of Santa María, Coca

Son of Antonio de Fonseca y Toledo and Mariana de Ulloa, he was married firstly in 1634 to Isabel de Zúñiga, with issue:
• Inés (see)
• Francisca, died at 16 months of age

Fernando was married secondly in 1654 to Catalina Fajardo, with issue.
• Teresa (see)
• Isabel (see)