Henry, Duke of Villena facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Infante Henry
Duke of Villena
Count of Alburquerque
Reign	1435–1445
Predecessor	Eleanor of Alburquerque
Count of Ampurias
Reign	1436–1445
Successor	Henry of Aragon
Born	1400
Died	15 June 1445
Spouse	Infanta Catherine of Castile Beatriz de Pimentel
Issue	Henry, 1st Duke of Segorbe
House	Trastámara
Father	Ferdinand I of Aragon
Mother	Eleanor of Alburquerque

Infante Henry of Aragon (born 1400, died June 15, 1445) was an important prince from Spain. He was known as the 1st Duke of Villena and the 4th Count of Alburquerque. He also held the title of Count of Ampurias. Henry was also the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago, a powerful knightly order.

Early Life of Infante Henry

Henry was a member of the House of Trastámara, a royal family. He was the third son of King Ferdinand I of Aragon. His mother was Eleanor of Alburquerque, who was the 3rd Countess of Alburquerque. Henry's older brothers were King Alfonso V of Aragon and King John II of Navarre. Even though his brothers were kings, Henry's main lands were in Castile. His parents left these lands to him.

As a child, Infante Henry went to the royal court in Castile. His uncle, King Henry III of Castile, made sure he had a place. Henry was part of the royal council of his younger cousin, King John II of Castile. Henry was five years older than King John II.

Becoming a Grand Master

In 1409, a man named Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa died. He was the Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. Infante Henry was chosen to be the new Grand Master. This was unusual because he was only nine years old at the time. After his aunt, Catherine of Lancaster, passed away, Henry wanted more power. He hoped to guide his cousin King John II, who was not a strong ruler.

Henry's First Marriage

In November 1418, Henry married his first cousin, Infanta Catherine of Castile. She was the sister of King John II of Castile. This marriage was part of a bigger family plan. Henry's older brother Alfonso V married Catherine's older sister Maria. Also, Henry's sister Maria married Catherine's brother John II.

Marrying the King's sister made Henry even more powerful. So much so that King John II started to see him as a threat. The King then began to rely on a man named Álvaro de Luna for support.

Struggles for Power

In 1420, Henry and some other noblemen surrounded the castle where King John II was staying. Henry claimed that de Luna had kidnapped the King. He demanded that the King surrender. However, after a few days, Henry lost the support of the noblemen. He had to give up his plan.

The Infante was arrested and accused of treason. He was put in prison in the Castle of Mora. His brother helped him get released. After his release, Henry had to leave the country.

Regaining Influence

In 1427, Álvaro de Luna lost his power. This allowed Henry to get some of his influence back. Henry and his wife returned to Castile. They wanted to claim her family's inheritance. They were successful. Catherine had already been given the Dukedom of Villena by her brother. Now, they received the rest of her dowry, which was like a wedding gift of property.

In 1429, Henry's brothers, the King of Aragon and the King of Navarre, declared war on Castile. The Duke of Villena supported them. Luckily, their sister Maria helped avoid the war. Henry then had to leave Castile again. This time, he found safety in the Kingdom of Naples. His brother Alfonso was fighting there for the crown of Naples.

Henry was helping Alfonso when he was captured in August 1435. This happened after a battle. Henry, Alfonso, and their brother John were all imprisoned. They were set free again thanks to their sister, the Queen of Castile.

Return to Castile

Henry's mother died in 1435. She left her title of countess to Henry. So, Henry became the new Count of Alburquerque. He returned to Castile one last time in 1438. This was after an uprising by the noblemen. Henry joined the uprising and fought in conflicts against his brother-in-law, the King of Castile.

Henry's Second Marriage

In October 1439, Henry's wife Catherine died. Their marriage had no children. Her brother, King John II, took back the Dukedom of Villena. He had given it to Catherine.

Soon after, Henry married Beatriz de Pimentel. They had one child together:

• Henry of Aragon (1445–1522). He became the 1st Duke of Segorbe. His granddaughter Anne was the last person in the House of Trastámara.

In 1445, Henry fought in the First Battle of Olmedo. He helped his brother, the King of Navarre, against their brother-in-law, the King of Castile. Some people believe the King of Navarre planned to take over southern Castile. He wanted to make Henry its king. However, Henry was wounded in the battle. He died a few weeks later from an infection.

See also

In Spanish: Enrique de Trastámara (infante de Aragón) para niños