Philip II, King of Spain | Letter signed, to Ottavio Farnese, the Duke of Parma, Brussels, 22 January 1557

Philip II, as King of Spain, England and the Two Sicilies

Letter signed ("Yo el Rey"), to his brother-in-law, Ottavio Farnese, 2nd Duke of Parma, 22 January 1557

writing as "Don Phelippe por la gracia de Dios, de las españas, de Inglaterra, de las dos Sicilias etc.", in Spanish, in a fine italic hand, telling Ottavio that he is instructing the Cardinal of Trent to have the lands of Colorno and San Secondo dismantled, with the least possible damage to the dwelling houses of their lords, asking him to assist in any way he can, whilst personally ensuring that the lords and their possessions are treated well, as befits "persons dependent on us and greatly attached to our service"

1 page, folio, countersigned by Philip's secretary ("G.Perez"), integral address leaf, papered seal to integral leaf, Brussels, 22 January 1557

Philip II (1527-1598) writes as King of all Spanish dominions, and Prince Consort to Mary I of England (from 1554 until 1558, when Elizabeth acceded to the throne). The recipient, Ottavio Farnese (1521-1586), 2nd Duke of Parma and Piacenza, was Philip's brother-in-law. The Pope wanted Ottavio's support in driving Philip out of Italy, but on the 15th September the latter sided with Philip, partly in order to recover Piacenza for himself. Philip here obtains Ottavio's agreement that two castles should be dismantled against possible occupation by the Pope. The duchy of Parma had been created by Pope Paul III for his illegitimate son, Ottavio's father.