Stages. The operation of the Guipuzcoana has been divided by traditional historiography into two stages. The first of these comprises the period in which the main headquarters was in San Sebastián, that is, until 1749. After a forced period of inactivity due to the rebellion that took place in Venezuela against the Guipuzcoana, in 1751 the decision was made to move its main headquarters to the Villa y Corte. It remained in Madrid until its closure, which took place in March 1785.