Blanche of Castile (1319–1375) facts for kids

Blanche of Castile (born August 1319 – died 1375) was a princess from the Castilian House of Burgundy. She was the only child of Infante Peter of Castile and Infanta Maria of Aragon. Her father was the son of King Sancho IV of Castile. Her mother was the daughter of King James II of Aragon.

Her Early Life

Blanche was born in August 1319 in Alcocer, a city in Guadalajara. This was two months after her father died in a battle called the Disaster of the Vega de Granada. Her parents had married in December 1311.

Blanche's father, Infante Peter, was a powerful lord. He owned many lands like Los Cameros and Cifuentes. He was also a top advisor to his brother, King Ferdinand IV of Castile. After King Ferdinand IV died in 1312, Infante Peter became a guardian for his young nephew, Alfonso XI of Castile. He also helped rule the kingdom with the King's grandmother, Maria de Molina.

After Infante Peter died, a man named Garci Lasso de la Vega I wrote to King James II of Aragon. He said that Blanche's father wanted his unborn child to be raised by him. King James II agreed to this wish.

Moving to Aragon

In the spring of 1320, Blanche and her mother moved from the Kingdom of Castile to the Kingdom of Aragon. This was allowed by Blanche's uncle, Infante Philip, and her grandmother, Maria de Molina. Blanche was the only person who would inherit her father's lands and wealth.

However, Juan Manuel, Prince of Villena, another powerful lord, wanted Blanche and her mother to stay in Castile. He was Blanche's maternal aunt's husband. Some historians think he wanted to control Blanche's inheritance. He also wanted the support of King James II in his fight for power.

Marriage Plans

In 1322, Blanche's mother and Garci Lasso de la Vega planned for Blanche to marry her cousin, King Alfonso XI. But this marriage never happened.

Later, in 1325, King James II wanted Blanche to marry John of Castile. John was known as the One-Eyed. He was an enemy of King Alfonso XI's new advisors. When Alfonso XI became old enough to rule, he stopped the marriage plan. He was worried that John would use Blanche's lands to rebel against him. John of Castile was killed in 1326.

In 1327, there was a plan for Blanche to marry Infante Peter of Portugal. He was the son and heir of King Afonso IV of Portugal. Since Blanche and Peter were young, the marriage had to wait. Blanche went to Portugal to be raised there.

While in Portugal, Blanche started to have health issues. Doctors said she was not well enough for marriage or to have children. Because of this, the marriage to Infante Peter never took place. Blanche then returned to Aragon with her dowry (money and goods for marriage).

Return to Castile

In 1329, King Alfonso XI of Castile met with King Alfonso IV of Aragon. During these meetings, the Castilian King decided that Blanche should return to Castile with him. She had been living with her mother in Aragon.

Over time, King Alfonso XI took control of the lands that belonged to Blanche. By 1336, he started giving these lands to his children with Eleanor de Guzmán.

Once in Castile, Blanche was named the Lady of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas. This meant she had civil control over the monastery.

Her Burial

Blanche was buried at Las Huelgas, next to her parents. When her tomb was opened in the 20th century, her remains were found to be mummified. Her body now rests in a simple stone tomb in the monastery.

Images for kids

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  The Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas in Castile and León

See also

In Spanish: Blanca de Castilla (1319-1375) para niños