Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca, 1st Marquis of Branciforte

Who was Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca, 1st Marquis of Branciforte?

Don Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca de Carini y Branciforte, 1st Marqués de Branciforte was a Spanish military officer and viceroy of New Spain from July 12, 1794 to May 31, 1798. He is known as one of the most corrupt viceroys in the history of the colony. His accession is considered the beginning of the decadent period in the history of the colonial government.

Of Italian origin, Miguel de la Grúa Talamanca was captain general of the Spanish army and grande of Spain. After his arrival in Mexico he was made a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece. He also became Knight of the Order of Santiago and the Order of Charles III. Grúa was a protégé of Spanish Prime Minister Manuel de Godoy, and married in Madrid, August 15, 1790 to Godoy's sister, María Antonia de Godoy y Álvarez de Faria, de los Ríos y Sánchez-Zarzosa, 21st Noble Dame of the Royal Order of Queen María Luisa. Their daughter Carlota de la Grúa-Talamanca de Carini y Godoy, Branciforte y Álvarez de Faria, was made the 268th Noble Dame of the Royal Order of Queen María Luisa. He was sent by Godoy to take over the government of New Spain.