Alfonso XI of Castile

Alfonso XI, called the Avenger, was the King of Castile and León. He was the son of Ferdinand IV of Castile and Constance of Portugal. After his father died in 1312, there were some disagreements about who should rule until Alfonso was old enough to be king. These were settled in 1313.

When Alfonso became an adult in 1325, he started a reign that made the king's power stronger. He is especially remembered for his win in the Battle of Rio Salado. Sadly, while leading a siege against Yusuf I of Granada, he passed away from the plague in Gibraltar.

Life

Alfonso XI was born on 13 August 1311 in Salamanca. He was the son of King Ferdinand IV of Castile and Constance of Portugal. When Alfonso was just one year old, his father died. This led to some disagreements about who should rule until Alfonso was old enough to be king.

Alfonso became king in August 1325 when he was declared old enough to rule. He worked hard to make his kingdom stronger and protect it from enemies. He led his army to important victories, such as the Battle of Río Salado in 1340. Alfonso XI passed away in March 1350 while his army was fighting in Gibraltar during a time when a terrible sickness, known as the Black Death, was spreading.

Marriage and issue

Alfonso XI first married Constanza Manuel in 1325, but the marriage ended two years later. He then married his double first cousin, Maria of Portugal, daughter of Alfonso IV of Portugal. They had two sons, but one died shortly after birth. Their surviving son was Peter of Castile, who later became King of Castile.

Alfonso also had ten children with his mistress, Eleanor of Guzmán. These children held various important positions and lands. After Alfonso's death, Maria had Eleanor arrested.

Popular culture

Alfonso XI was shown in a play from 1802 called Alfonso, King of Castile. The play was written by a British writer named Matthew Lewis and was first performed at London's Covent Garden Theatre with Charles Murray playing the main role.

Ancestry

Alfonso XI was born on 11 August 1311. He became the King of Castile and León after his father, Ferdinand IV of Castile, passed away in 1312. Because he was very young when his father died, there were some disagreements about who should help rule the kingdom until he grew up. These disagreements were settled in 1313.