Serrano y Domínguez

Serrano y Domínguez, FRANCISCO, DUKE DE LA TORRE, a Spanish statesman, was born at Ajonilla in Andalusia on 18th September 1810, and pushed himself to the front in the war against the Carlists. Having gained an intimate place in the favour of the dissolute Queen Isabella, he made the most of his influence and played an active part in the dismal political changes of that sovereign's reign, sometimes being in arms against the ministers of the day and sometimes himself holding the highest administrative posts of the kingdom. He was by profession a liberal, and for some years (1854–66) lent faithful support to O'Donnell. On the overthrow of O'Donnell's government by Narváez Serrano was banished, but returning two years later (in 1868) he defeated the queen's troops, and, having driven her away into France, became the chief ruler (as regent) of Spain until the accession of Amadeus of Savoy (1870). He waged successful war against the Carlists both in 1872 and in 1874. During the greater part of this latter year he was again at the head of the government, until he resigned the power into the hands of Alfonso XII. He was ambassador at Paris in 1883–84, and died at Madrid on 26th November 1885.