Diego Hurtado de Mendoza (Admiral of Castile) facts for kids
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza (born 1367, died June 1404) was an important Spanish nobleman. He held the title of Admiral of Castile, which meant he was a top leader of the navy. He was also the first Lord of Canete and the tenth head of the powerful House of Mendoza family. His parents were Pedro González de Mendoza I and Aldonza López de Ayala. Later, he married Leonor Lasso de la Vega, who was also from a very influential family, the House of Lasso de la Vega.
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Diego's Early Life and First Marriage
Diego Hurtado de Mendoza was born in the city of Guadalajara. When he was a child, around 1379, his father made a special arrangement. He convinced King Henry II of Castile that young Diego should marry the king's daughter, María. King Henry II agreed just before he passed away. A grand wedding was held soon after.
Becoming Admiral of Castile
In 1385, Diego's father died during the Battle of Aljubarrota. However, his father saved the life of King John I of Castile during the battle. This brave act greatly helped the Mendoza family's standing with the king.
Diego quickly rose to power. King John I gave him the important title of Admiral of Castile. This meant Diego was in charge of the navy.
Fighting for the Strait of Gibraltar
Later, during the rule of King Henry III, Diego used his skills as admiral. He led the Castilian fleet in battles against the Portuguese navy. Their goal was to control the important Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow sea passage.
King Henry III was very pleased with Diego's loyalty and service. As a reward, the king gave Diego many gifts and special grants. In 1395, King Henry also gave Diego control over the town of Tendilla.
Diego's Family Life
Diego's first wife, María, passed away while giving birth. However, their daughter, Aldonza de Mendoza, survived. Aldonza would later become the Countess of Arjona.
In 1394, Diego married again. He chose Leonor Lasso de la Vega, who came from the very rich and powerful House of Lasso de la Vega family. In August 1398, Diego and Leonor had a son named Íñigo López de Mendoza. Íñigo would grow up to become the first Marquis of Santillana, a famous poet and nobleman.
Later Life and Legacy
In April 1400, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza made his will in El Espinar, before going on another military campaign against the Portuguese. He returned safely and added an update to his will in May 1404 in Guadalajara. He passed away shortly after in Guadalajara, his hometown.
After his death, Diego's widow, Leonor, had to work hard. She needed to make sure her son, Íñigo, received his rightful inheritance. She also had to deal with Diego's stepdaughter, Aldonza, and Alfonso Enriquez. King Henry III had given the title of Admiral of Castile to Alfonso Enriquez after Diego's death.
