Jose Fernández de Miranda
1st Duque de Losada
(1707–83†)

Biographical

1st Duque de Losada 1740–83†, Grandee of Spain 1760
Knight of the Golden Fleece 1768
Knight of St Januarius
Governor of the Casa de Campo 1768
Sumiller de Corps 1749 (Two Sicilies)
President of the Tribunal of the Marshals (Two Sicilies)
Lieutenant General (Two Sicilies)
Master of the Horse 1732 (Two Sicilies)
Cadet in the Royal Infantry Guards

José, the second son of his family, was directed towards a military career because he could not inherit his father’s estates. His fortunes changed through his connections at the Bourbon court in Spain, particularly his close relationship with the future ruler of Naples, whom he accompanied to Italy in 1731. His growing influence at the Neapolitan court brought him considerable wealth and political influence. He remained close to Charles after his return to Spain in 1759, becoming one of his most trusted courtiers and an important figure in the political life of the court. He also supported economic and administrative reforms, including the establishment of the chair of economics and commerce at the University of Naples and reforms to the Royal Pharmacy and medical education in Spain. He died without children, leaving his fortune to his nephew.

Place of birth: Oviedo
Place of death: Sitio de San Lorenzo, Madrid
Place of burial: Convent of San Gil, Madrid

Son of Sancho de Miranda and María de Atocha Saavedra