Galceran de Requesens y Santa Coloma facts for kids

Galceran de Requesens y Santa Coloma (born before 1426 – died 1465) was a nobleman from Catalonia, a region in Spain. He was known for being against the powerful city council of Barcelona. This council was controlled by a group of rich families and merchants called the "Biga." Galceran also served as the Governor of Mallorca, a large island.

Galceran's father was Luis de Requesens y Relat. His family owned lands in the Spanish province of Tarragona.

Early Life and Conflicts

Galceran moved to the island of Menorca around 1439. He had disagreements with the powerful "Biga" group in Catalonia. These conflicts started around 1435, during the rule of King Alfonso V of Aragon.

In December 1439, King Alfonso V gave Galceran control over areas near Barcelona, like Molins de Rei. Galceran then joined a group called "La Busca." This group was made up of merchants and skilled workers. They were also against the "Biga" and wanted more power for ordinary people.

The "Busca" group was not allowed to meet in Barcelona. So, they held their meetings in nearby towns like Sabadell, Terrassa, Vilafranca del Penedès, and Montcada.

Working for the King

In November 1453, Galceran worked for King Alfonso V. He helped the king to take control of the Barcelona Council, which was run by the "Biga."

King Alfonso V lived mostly in Naples, Italy. His wife and his brother, John, often represented him in Catalonia. John later became King John II of Aragon.

In 1456, King Alfonso V gave Galceran feudal rights to some towns in Italy, like Trivento and Avellino. This showed how much the king trusted him.

Later Years and Challenges

Before King Alfonso V died in 1458, he made Galceran and his brother, Bernat de Requesens y de Santa Coloma, official nobles.

After Alfonso V died, his brother John became King John II of Aragon. The "Biga" group did not want John to be king. They supported John's half-brother, Prince Charles of Viana, for the throne. This led to more conflicts.

In 1461, Prince Charles fought against his father, King John II. Charles lost and was put in prison. He died soon after, which was very suspicious.

Galceran de Requesens and his wife, Elisabeta Joan de Soler, had 13 children. Many of their children became successful merchants and part of the nobility in Aragon.

Galceran faced many difficulties later in his life. He was sent away to Valencia, where he died in 1465.

See also

In Spanish: Galcerán de Requesens para niños