Fadrique Enríquez (died 1473) facts for kids
Fadrique Enríquez de Mendoza (born 1390, died December 23, 1473) was a very important person in the history of Castile, a kingdom in what is now Spain. He was the second "Admiral of Castile," which meant he was a top commander of the navy. He also held titles like Count of Melgar and Rueda. Fadrique was the son of Alonso Enríquez, who was the first Admiral of Castile.
Quick facts for kids Fadrique Enríquez |
|
|---|---|
| This carpet was likely made for Fadrique Enríquez. It shows his family's coat of arms: a lion, castles, anchors, and ropes. The patterns on the border show it was made by Mudéjar artists, who blended Christian and Islamic styles. It's now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. | |
| Spouse(s) | Mariana Fernández de Córdoba Teresa Fernández de Quiñones |
| Issue | |
| Juana Enríquez | |
| Noble family | House of Enríquez |
| Father | Alonso Enríquez |
| Mother | Juana de Mendoza |
| Born | 1390 |
| Died | 23 December 1473 |
Contents
A Powerful Family
Fadrique's family, the Enríquez, was very important in Castile. His grandfather, Fadrique, was an illegitimate son of King Alfonso XI of Castile. This royal connection gave the family a lot of power and land.
When Fadrique's father, Alonso Enríquez, passed away in 1429, Fadrique inherited many important titles. He became a ricohombre, which was a high-ranking noble. He also became the Master of the Order of Santiago, a powerful military-religious group. He was also lord of several towns, including Medina de Rioseco and Torrelobatón.
A writer from that time, Hernando del Pulgar, described Fadrique. He said Fadrique was a bit short and slightly nearsighted. However, he was a very skilled leader. He earned great respect as the commander of Castile's navy.
Life at Court
Fadrique played a big role in the royal court. He was one of the main advisors to King John II of Castile. However, the court was full of political struggles. Fadrique became involved in a plan against a very powerful noble named Álvaro de Luna, who was the king's chief minister, known as the Constable of Castile.
In 1426, Fadrique married Mariana Fernández de Córdoba y Ayala. She was the Lady of Casarrubios. In 1425, before they married, Mariana gave birth to their daughter, Juana. Juana later became the Queen of Aragon.
In 1431, Fadrique and Álvaro de Luna worked together to arrest a commander named Diego Sarmiento. He had not followed the king's orders. Sadly, Fadrique's wife Mariana died in the same year.
Conflicts and Alliances
In 1432, Fadrique fought alongside Pedro Manrique de Lara. They were fighting against the princes Henry and Peter near several towns.
On May 9, 1432, Fadrique married his second wife, Teresa Fernández de Quiñones. They had nine children together.
In 1437, King John II of Castile had Pedro Manrique arrested. This caused Fadrique to disagree with the king. In August 1438, Pedro escaped from prison. Fadrique then gathered his own troops in Medina de Rioseco. He was preparing to rebel against the king.
King John II also gathered his supporters. These included Álvaro de Luna and his own son, Henry. In 1440, both sides agreed to talk. They made a temporary peace agreement. During this short peaceful time, Prince Henry married Blanche II of Navarre. Fadrique was the godfather for the royal couple.
Later Years
In 1445, Fadrique was part of another group that opposed Álvaro de Luna. Fadrique was captured during this conflict. But he managed to escape and returned to Medina de Rioseco.
In 1448, Fadrique was accused of plotting against the king. He was also accused of planning to murder Álvaro de Luna. Fadrique had to flee again. He went to Aragon to find support. From there, he traveled to Italy, where Alfonso V, the King of Aragon, was at the time.
In 1449, another alliance was formed against Álvaro de Luna. This time, Fadrique joined forces with John II, who was the King of Navarre. In 1447, King John II of Castile had married Isabella of Portugal. The new queen quickly began to challenge the powerful nobles at court. Álvaro de Luna was arrested on April 4, 1453. He was sentenced to death and was beheaded on June 2, 1453.
King John II of Castile died in July 1454. His son, Henry IV, became the new king. A new series of political struggles began at the court of Castile. Fadrique once again played an important role in these events.
Fadrique Enríquez de Mendoza died in 1473. He was buried in the monastery of Our Lady of Hope of Valdescopezo in Medina de Rioseco.
Fadrique's Children
Fadrique had children from both of his marriages.
With Mariana Fernández de Córdoba:
- Juana Enríquez: She became the Queen of Aragon. She was also the mother of Ferdinand II of Aragon, a very famous king.
With Teresa Fernández de Quiñones:
- Alonso Enríquez (1435-1485): He became the 3rd Admiral of Castile, following in his father's footsteps.
- Pedro: He became the fourth Adelantado Mayor of Andalusia.
- Enrique Enríquez (died 1504): He was a major-domo (a high-ranking official) for the king. He was also the lord of Orso. His granddaughter was Maria Enriquez de Luna, and he was the great-grandfather of Saint Francis Borgia, 4th Duke of Gandía.
- Francisco Enríquez
- María: She married García Álvarez de Toledo, 1st Duke of Alba. She was also the great-grandmother of Eleanor of Toledo, who was the wife of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
- Leonor
- Inés
- Aldonza: She married Juan Ramón Folch IV de Cardona.
- Blanca
See also
In Spanish: Fadrique Enríquez para niños
