Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma

The Duke of Parma (b 1545)was a high-ranking nobleman and general, born Alessandro Farnese. He served as governor of the Netherlands for a number of years, and his military exploits there against English-backed Protestant rebels so impressed King Philip II of Spain that the Duke was given command of Spanish forces in the Netherlands. In 1588, Parma's army rendezvoused with the Spanish Armada and landed in England. Parma's well-trained and combat-hardened troops easily overcame the amateur English forces.

Under Queen Isabella and King Albert, Parma stayed on as commander of the Spanish garrison in England. His forces were expelled by a popular uprising in 1598.

Parma employed Thomas Phelippes as his secretary while in England.