1-156-975 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Philip II, King of Spain, 16th century, (1735). The son of Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) and husband of Mary I (1518-1558) queen of England from 1553, Philip II ascended the Spanish throne in 1556. Philip's reign was characterised by war and religious repression as he zealously pursued the counter-reformation. Spain was embroiled in the rebellion of its Protestant provinces in the Netherlands, and after the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, a 20 year period of war with England began. In 1588, Philip sent the Armada to bring about the invasion of England, but the fleet was destroyed, leading to the abandonment of the planned invasion as well as paving the way for the ultimate success of the Dutch rebellion. During Philip's rule Spain acquired great wealth from its empire in the New World, but much of it was squandered due to high inflation, disastrous economic policies necessitating massive imports and the cost of Philip's wars. After a portrait by Titian (c1488-1576).