Rafael Balanzat y Baranda

Who was Rafael Balanzat y Baranda?

Rafael Balanzat y Baranda was a Spanish writer, military man and Knight Laureate. He was born in Madrid on December 23, 1820 and died in Tarifa, Cadiz on October 24, 1854. Of noble Ibizan family, he was the son of the Inspector General of Infantry and Marshal of the Spanish Army, Ignacio Balanzat de Orvay y Briones and María Dolores de Baranda y Cajigal, and younger brother of Colonel José Balanzat y Baranda. He was the father of the Marchioness of Najera who was a friend and chambermaid of the Infanta Isabel, María Dolores Balanzat y Bretagne.