He was the second son of Philip V, founder of the Bourbon dynasty, by his first marriage with Maria Louisa of Savoy, was born at Madrid on the 23rd of September 1713. His youth was depressed. His father's second wife, Elizabeth Farnese, was a managing woman, who had no affection except for her own children, and who looked upon her stepson as an obstacle to their fortunes.
Career
He entered the throne when hу was 33 years old. He didn't take until then participation in the affairs of government because of the hostile attitude towards him from his stepmother Elizabeth Farnese. The death of his wife in 1758 was a heavy blow to the king, he fell ill mentally and briefly survived his wife. Ferdinand's employees in the affairs of government were Marquis de Ensenada, in charge of finance, José de Carvajal, who ran foreign politics, Ravago, the confessor of the king, and the singer Farinelli, former adviser to Philip V. Carvajal tried to maintain friendly relations between Spain and Britain; after his death (1754) Ensenada, the enemy of England, insisted on rapprochement with France, which was the reason for his resignation.
Ferdinand wished to remain neutral in international relations and focused his worries on the reforms of the army, navy, court and administration, reviving agriculture, industry and trade, and developing scientific and artistic education. In this respect, he is the forerunner of Charles III and his distinguished ministers.
Politics
As king he followed a steady policy of neutrality between France and England, and refused to be tempted by the offers of either into declaring war on the other.
Personality
Ferdinand was by temperament melancholy, shy and distrustful of his own abilities. When complimented on his shooting, he replied, " It would be hard if there were not something I could do. "
Interests
Shooting and music were his only pleasures.
Music & Bands
He was the generous patron of the famous singer Farinelli (q. v. ), whose voice soothed his melancholy.
Connections
Ferdinand was married in 1729 to Maria Magdalena Barbara, daughter of John V of Portugal. The very homely looks of his wife were thought by observers to cause the prince a visible shock when he was first presented to her. Yet he became deeply attached to his wife, and proved in fact nearly as uxorious as his father.