Juan de Tassis, 1st Count of Villamediana

The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V awarded them positions as heads of public lodgings (Hostes) and postal offices (postas).

His oldest son, Raymond (Ramón) de Tassis Wachtendonk (circa 1515-1579), went to Spain and became postmaster general of the kingdom.

He was created the 1st Count of Villamediana by king Philip III of Spain on 12 October 1603, confirming him as Correo Mayor, or Head of the Postal Communications within the Spanish Empire.

[3] The Earl of Devonshire brought him to lodge at Christ Church, Oxford before meeting King James and Anne of Denmark at Woodstock Palace.

[8] When James and Anne of Denmark planned to make a Royal Entry to Southampton on 30 October, Villamediana rented window space along the route to watch the procession.

[11] In April, Tassis asked King James if the Constable Velasco could be lodged at Somerset House, and Anne of Denmark granted his request.

[13] Tassis and the Constable bought jewels as gifts for the ladies of the court of Denmark, some from Arnold Lulls in London, several from goldsmiths in Brussels.

When Tassis left England, Anne of Denmark gave him a chain of gold fashioned like snakes, enamelled green and set with diamonds, supplied by a London goldsmith.