Alfonso XI of Castile

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.

When his father died in 1312, there were some disagreements about who should rule until Alfonso was old enough to be king. These disagreements ended in 1313.

Alfonso became an adult in 1325. During his time as king, he 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 one year old, his father died. This caused some disagreement about who should rule until Alfonso was old enough to be king.

Alfonso became king in August 1325. 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. At that time, a terrible sickness called the Black Death was spreading.

Marriage and issue

Alfonso XI first married Constanza Manuel in 1325, but they separated two years later. He then married his double first cousin, Maria of Portugal, the daughter of Alfonso IV of Portugal. They had two sons together, but one died very soon after he was born. Their surviving son was Peter of Castile, who later became King of Castile.

Alfonso also had ten children with his mistress, Eleanor of Guzmán. After Alfonso died, 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. It 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 when his father, Ferdinand IV of Castile, died in 1312. Because he was very young, there were disagreements about who should help rule until he grew up. These disagreements ended in 1313.