Blanche of France, Infanta of Castile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blanche of France |
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| Infanta of Castile | |
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| Born | 1253 Jaffa, County of Jaffa and Ascalon |
| Died | 1323 (aged 69–70) Paris, Kingdom of France |
| Burial | Cordeliers Convent, Paris |
| Spouse | Ferdinand de la Cerda, Infante of Castile |
| Issue | Alfonso de la Cerda of Castile Ferdinand de la Cerda of Castile |
| House | Capet |
| Father | Louis IX of France |
| Mother | Margaret of Provence |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Blanche of France (French: Blanche de France) was a French princess. She was born in 1253 and died in 1323. Blanche was the daughter of King Louis IX of France and Margaret of Provence.
Early Life and Royal Marriage
Blanche was born in 1253 in Jaffa. This city was part of the County of Jaffa and Ascalon at the time. Her birth happened during the Seventh Crusade, which was led by her father, King Louis IX.
In November 1269, Blanche married Ferdinand de la Cerda, Infante of Castile. An "Infante" is a title given to a prince or princess in Spain and Portugal. Ferdinand was the oldest son of King Alfonso X of Castile and Violant of Aragon.
Her Children
Blanche and Ferdinand had two sons:
- Alfonso (born 1270, died 1333). He married Mahaut, who was the daughter of John I of Brienne, Count of Eu. They had four sons and three daughters.
- Ferdinand (born 1275, died 1322). He married Juana Núñez de Lara. She was known as "la Palomilla" and was the Lady of Lara and Herrera. They had one son and three daughters. One of their daughters, Blanca de La Cerda y Lara, later became the mother-in-law of King Henry II of Castile.
A Challenge to the Throne
Sadly, Ferdinand died in 1275, before his own father, King Alfonso X. This created a problem for who would become the next king of Castile. Blanche and Ferdinand's sons were supposed to inherit the throne. However, their uncle, Sancho, who was Ferdinand's younger brother, claimed the throne for himself. He even rebelled to make sure he became king.
Blanche's brother, King Philip III of France, warned Sancho that he would invade Castile. Philip wanted to support his two nephews and help them get their rightful place on the throne.
Blanche left Castile after this and never returned. Her sons were sent to live with their grandmother, Violant of Aragon. Violant made sure they were safe from Sancho by sending them to the fortress of Xàtiva.
Later Life
Blanche lived until 1323. She died at the Monastère des Clarisses de l’Ave Maria in Paris. This was a convent of nuns.
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See also
In Spanish: Blanca de Francia para niños
