Monarch Philip V
Ferdinand VI | Preceded by José Patiño | |
 | ||
Died 9 April 1766, Madrid, Spain Succeeded by José de Carvajal y Lancáster | ||
Sebastián de la Cuadra y Llarena, 1st Marquis of Villarías (20 January 1687 – 9 April 1766) was a Spanish statesman. He served as Chief Minister during between 1736 and 1746 during the reign of Philip V of Spain.
He became in 1719 the Mayor of Muskiz, a Basque town exploiting iron ores and local smelters, having two himself, one working as early as the 15th century, Knight of the Military Order of Santiago Santiago in 1730 (sig. 2239). Secretary of State in 1731, and as from 1741 controlling also the Area of Justice. For much of this late period in office, Spain was involved in the War of Jenkins' Ear with Britain and the War of the Austrian Succession in Italy. He was replaced by José de Carvajal y Lancáster in December 1746. For his service he was made Marqués de Villarías by King Philip V of Spain on 22 March 1739, an honour awarded sometimes either to outgoing First Ministers or during their tenure.
He was a co-founder of the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in 1744.
Family
He died, no issue, on 9 April 1766. The 2nd Marquis of Villarías was his brother, Agustín de la Cuadra y de Llarena, (5 November 1679 - married 17 December 1709 to Andresa Manuela de Mollinedo.
Agustin and Sebastian had a sister, Francisca de la Cuadra y de Llarena, born also in San Julián de Musques on 13 October 1697. She married Simon de Llano y Musquez on 16 February 1716; they had 8 children. Among their children were: