Fernando Bermúdez de Cea facts for kids

Fernando Bermúdez (died around 978) was an important count in the Kingdom of León. He was the second Count of Cea and the son of Bermudo Núñez and his wife Argilo. Fernando was a very distinguished member of the nobility. He was also the father of a queen of Navarre, which means he was an ancestor to many royal families!

A Look at His Life

Fernando Bermúdez was the firstborn son of Count Bermudo Núñez. He received many properties from his father. He also inherited land from his uncle, Oveco Núñez, who was a bishop in León.

Records show Fernando as Fredenando Vermudiz in a document from 945. This document was about a gift from his uncle, Bishop Oveco, to the Monastery of Sahagún. Another document from 984 confirms this family connection. It mentions that the monastery bought land from Count Fernando Bermúdez. This land had belonged to the bishop before.

Fernando spent his early years in Asturias. He owned a lot of land there. Some of this land was given to him by Queen Urraca. She was the widow of King Fruela II of Asturias. He also received land from the princes Ramiro and Ordoño Froilaz. This was likely a reward for supporting King Fruela. Fernando also took part in a rebellion in 932 against King Ramiro II. King Ramiro II made Fernando return two churches to the Cathedral of Oviedo.

His relationship with the king improved during the time of King Ordoño III. Fernando became the mayordomo mayor for this king. This was a very important position, like a chief steward or manager of the royal household. He signed many of the king's official documents. This shows he was an active member of the king's court, known as the curia regis. Fernando first appeared with the title of "Count" in 960. The last time he was mentioned in old documents was in 978.

Family and Children

Fernando Bermúdez married Elvira Díaz. She was the daughter of Diego Muñoz, the Count of Saldaña, and his wife Tregidia.

Fernando and Elvira had several children:

• Pedro Fernández (died around 1028): He became the third Count of Cea. He did not have any sons, so his family line of counts ended with him. He had one daughter, Elvira Pérez, with his wife Sancha Muñoz.
• Gómez Fernández (died before 978): He was married to a woman named Onecca. They had a daughter, Countess Onecca Gómez. She married Count Fortún, who was likely from the royal family of Pamplona. Gómez was probably also the father of Fernando and Rodrigo Gómez.
• Gotina Fernández: She married Count Pelayo Rodríguez.
• Jimena Fernández: She became a queen! She married King García Sánchez II of Navarre. She was also the mother of King Sancho III of Navarre.
• Justa Fernández: She was the first wife of Count Flaín Muñoz.
• Elvira Fernández.

See Also

In Spanish: Fernando Bermúdez para niños