Philip IV of Spain

King Philip IV of Spain (1605-1665) was born at Valladolid, the son of Philip III and Margaret of Austria. He came to the throne at the age of sixteen and depended on his favourite Olivares until growing problems of state led to his dismissal in 1643. Philip struggled with managing the administration of Spain, which was very poorly organised, and engaged in unsuccessful struggles with Holland, France and England. His reign saw a gradual diminution of Spanish power. The death of his son, Baltasar Carlos, shocked the king, and he died broken-hearted in September 1665.

From the guide to the Philip IV of Spain: Conveyance to Cristobal de la Fuente, 1643, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)