18 Facts About Ricardo Wall

Richard Wall y Devereux was a Spanish military officer, statesman and diplomat who served as Chief Minister of Spain from 1754 to 1763.

Ricardo Wall belonged to a family settled in Kilmallock, one of whom was Bishop of Limerick.

Richard "Ricardo" Wall y Devereux was born at Nantes to a family of Irish Jacobite refugees, supporters of the Catholic James II, deposed King of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Ricardo Wall was baptized two days after his birth at the Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas in unfavourable circumstances: his father, Matthew "Matias" Wall of Killmallock, County Limerick, a long-serving officer in King James II's cavalry, was absent.

Ricardo Wall entered the Colegio Real de Guardiamarinas, founded at Cadiz by Jose Patino in 1717, graduating in the second year of its foundation.

Ricardo Wall was then seconded to the Spanish Regiment of Hibernia, commanded by the Marquis of Lede taking part in land battles such as Milazzo and Francavilla.

In 1727, Ricardo Wall accompanied his compatriot James Fitz-James Stuart, 2nd Duke of Berwick during his ambassadorial visit to the Tsar of Russia; the Scottish Duke was Duke of Liria and Jerica, heir of the 1st Duke of Berwick, an illegitimate son of James II of England.

Ricardo Wall was posted on other missions by the Duke of Liria y Jerica, such as to the King of Prussia, who decorated him as a Knight de la Generosite.

The Marques de La Ensenada was recalled to Madrid, leaving General Ricardo Wall to enjoy the trappings of ambassadorial residence at Soho Square.

Ricardo Wall is depicted in a portrait by Van Loo, and he sponsored the Arts in general, commissioning a "Santiago" by Tiepolo for his private chapel, as well as written works such as those by Smollett, including the translation of Don Quixote which is dedicated to him.

In 1754 Ricardo Wall was recalled from London to Madrid becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs, after the death of Jose de Carvajal.

Ricardo Wall served as chief minister until 1763, when the Duke of Grimaldi succeeded him.

Ricardo Wall frequently complained to British officials about the difficulties which these adventurers' violence was causing.

Ricardo Wall himself was more concerned that Britain's colonial acquisitions from France could mean that Spain's South American Empire was threatened.

Ricardo Wall was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1753.

Ricardo Wall received a grant for life of crown land known as the Soto de Roma, near Granada, later conferred upon Manuel Godoy, before being awarded to the Duke of Wellington.

Ricardo Wall spent the rest of his life, between homes in Alhama de Almeria and near Granada, welcoming all visitors and particularly English travelers exploring Spain's culture.

Ricardo Wall left a reputation as being a very able minister as well as a most witty conversationalist.