Miguel de Riglos Bástida


Miguel de Riglos y de la Bastida was a Spanish military, politician and merchant, who served during the Viceroyalty of Peru as alcalde of Buenos Aires.

Biography

He was born in Tudela, Navarre, the son of Juan de Riglos and Fermina de la Bastida, belonging to a noble family of Aragonese roots. He arrived in the Río de la Plata from Cádiz in 1670, aboard the ship "San Hermenegildo".
Riglos was one of the richest men in the Río de la Plata to early 18th century. Installed in Buenos Aires he dedicated himself to the trade and import of leather, being in charge of the business of cimarron cattle of Buenos Aires Province. He had among his possessions a luxurious carriage with golden studs, and a stained glass window inside. He also built a luxurious house known as the "Altos de Riglos", the first house on two floors of Buenos Aires, located at the current corner Bolivar and Avenida Rivadavia, neighborhood Monserrat.
Riglos also owned a sumptuous residence in the Retiro area. This residence was rented in 1703 to the :fr:Compagnie de Guinée|Compagnie Royale de Guinée, a French "company" that had operated in Buenos Aires until 1712. Years later in 1718 Riglos sold his property to Thomas Dover, president of the South Sea Company in Buenos Aires.
"La Casa del Retiro" was located in the current Plaza San Martín, and his first owner was the Governor of Buenos Aires Don Agustín de Robles Lorenzana, who had sold it to Miguel de Riglos around 1700.
In addition to having served as commander of the Fort of Buenos Aires, he held honorary offices in the city of Buenos Aires, serving as regidor and mayor of second vote in 1682 and 1708.
Miguel de Riglos was the ancestor of María de los Remedios de Escalada, the wife of General don José de San Martín. His grandson Miguel Fermín de Riglos was a knight of the Order of Santiago.