Ferdinand VI

Ferdinand VI
Portrait by Louis Michel Van Loo, c. 1746-59
King of Spain
Reign9 July 1746 – 10 August 1759
PredecessorPhilip V
SuccessorCharles III
Chief Ministers
Born23 September 1713
Royal Alcazar of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Died10 August 1759(1759-08-10) (aged 45)
Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
Burial
Spouse
(m. 1729; died 1758)
Names
Spanish: Fernando de Borbón y Saboya
HouseBourbon
FatherPhilip V of Spain
MotherMaria Luisa of Savoy
ReligionCatholic Church
SignatureFerdinand VI's signature

Ferdinand VI (Spanish: Fernando; 23 September 1713 – 10 August 1759), called the Learned (el Prudente) and the Just (el Justo), was King of Spain from 9 July 1746 until his death in 1759. He was the third ruler of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty. He was the son of King Philip V and Queen Maria Luisa.

Ferdinand succeeded his father upon the latter's death in 1746. His reign proved peaceful, as he avoided involving Spain in any European conflicts. Moderate changes to Spain were initiated under the king, including reforms of taxation, advance commerce, and the Spanish navy, as well as a ban on freemasonry. However, the last years of Ferdinand's reign were marked by mental instability, much like his direct predecessor Philip V. Upon his death, Ferdinand was succeeded by his younger half-brother, Charles III.