1614. The "Spanish Match" was the proposed marriage between Prince Charles (age 13), the son of King James I of Great Britain (age 47), and Infanta Maria Anna of Spain (age 7), the daughter of Philip III of Spain (age 35). Negotiations took place over the period 1614 to 1623, and during this time became closely related to aspects of British foreign and religious policy, before breaking down completely.

Evelyn's Diary. 1624. I was not initiated into any rudiments until near four years of age, and then one Frier taught us at the church-porch of Wotton, Surrey [Map]; and I do perfectly remember the great talk and stir about Il Conde Gondomar (age 96), now Ambassador from Spain (for near about this time was the match of our Prince (age 23) with the Infanta (age 17) proposed); and the effects of that comet, 1618, still working in the prodigious revolutions now beginning in Europe, especially in Germany, whose sad commotions sprang from the Bohemians' defection from the Emperor Matthias; upon which quarrel the Swedes broke in, giving umbrage to the rest of the princes, and the whole Christian world cause to deplore it, as never since enjoying perfect tranquillity.