Ferdinand VI

Ferdinand VI
Portrait by Louis Michel Van Loo, c. 1746-59
King of Spain (more...)
Reign	9 July 1746 – 10 August 1759
Predecessor	Philip V
Successor	Charles III
Chief Ministers	See list The Marquess of Villarías José de Carvajal The Duke of Alba Ricardo Wall
Born	23 September 1713 Royal Alcazar of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Died	10 August 1759(1759-08-10) (aged 45) Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
Burial	Convent of the Salesas Reales
Spouse	Barbara of Portugal ​ ​ (m. 1729; died 1758)​
Names Spanish: Fernando de Borbón y Saboya
House	Bourbon
Father	Philip V of Spain
Mother	Maria Luisa of Savoy
Religion	Roman Catholicism
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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. He was the third ruler of the Spanish Bourbon dynasty. He was the son of the previous monarch, Philip V, and his first wife Maria Luisa of Savoy.

Ferdinand VI's 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.