Hernan Peraza the Younger facts for kids

Hernán Peraza de Ayala (born around 1450 in Seville, died 1488 in San Sebastián de La Gomera) was an important figure in the history of the Canary Islands. He was also known as Hernán Peraza the Younger to tell him apart from his grandfather.

Hernán Peraza was a nobleman from Castile, a region in Spain. He was a conquistador, which means he was involved in the European effort to take control of new lands. He played a part in the conquest of the Canary Islands during the 1400s.

Peraza also ruled the islands of La Gomera and El Hierro as their lord.

Life Story

Early Life and Family

Hernán Peraza the Younger was born in Seville, Spain, around the year 1450. His parents were Diego García de Herrera and Inés Peraza de las Casas. His family, the Perazas, were very powerful and had inherited control of the Canary Islands from his grandfather, Hernan Peraza the Elder.

Governing La Gomera

In 1477, Hernán Peraza began to govern the island of La Gomera for his parents. The island was officially given to him the next year. He faced several uprisings from the native people of La Gomera. These uprisings happened because many people felt his rule was unfair.

"Torre del Conde" ("Tower of the Count"), a strong tower where Hernán Peraza the Younger lived. His grandfather built it in 1450.

Conflict with Juan Rejón

In 1481, a captain named Juan Rejón arrived on La Gomera by accident. The local people welcomed him. However, Rejón had previously had a disagreement with Peraza's father.

When Peraza found out Rejón was on the island, he sent his men to arrest him. Rejón refused to be arrested, and a fight broke out. Sadly, Juan Rejón died during this conflict.

Royal Forgiveness and Marriage

Juan Rejón's family complained to the Catholic Monarchs (the King and Queen of Spain) about what happened. To receive royal forgiveness, Peraza had to agree to two conditions.

First, he had to marry Beatriz de Bobadilla y Ulloa-Ossorio. Second, he had to help with the conquest of Gran Canaria, another island in the Canaries.

Conquest of Gran Canaria

In 1482, Peraza went to Agaete on Gran Canaria. He brought about eighty of his Gomeran men and other soldiers. He worked with Alonso Fernández de Lugo to help conquer the island.

They managed to capture the local leader, Tenesor Semidán. After Tenesor Semidán was baptized, he helped the Spanish. This led to the conquest of Gran Canaria being completed soon after.

Return to La Gomera and Later Years

After the conquest of Gran Canaria in 1483, Peraza returned to La Gomera. He made an agreement with some of the local groups who did not recognize him as their lord. This agreement was called the "Guahedun pact." Both sides drank milk from the same cup, symbolizing a bond.

In 1486, Peraza received the island of El Hierro from his mother. In 1488, he was given the "mayorazgo" of the Canary Islands, which meant he had inherited the main family properties and titles.

Later that year, Peraza was surrounded by rebellious Gomerans in the tower of San Sebastián. He asked for help from the Governor of Gran Canaria, Pedro de Vera. The native people were defeated, and many were punished.

Death of Hernán Peraza

Hernán Peraza was killed by a Gomeran warrior and leader named Hautacuperche on November 20, 1488. This happened during a rebellion on La Gomera. Hautacuperche was a cousin of a local woman named Yballa, with whom Peraza had a relationship. This relationship was seen as a betrayal of the Guahedun pact.

After Peraza's death, there were disagreements between his widow and his mother. Because of this, his mother took back the mayorazgo in 1503, shortly before she died.

Family Life

Marriage and Children

Hernán Peraza the Younger was part of the important Peraza family. He married Beatriz de Bobadilla in 1482. This marriage was arranged by Queen Isabella I of Castile as a condition for Peraza to receive royal forgiveness.

Beatriz de Bobadilla was from a powerful family. She was known for her close connections to important figures like King Ferdinand II of Aragon and later, Christopher Columbus.

Hernán and Beatriz had a son named Guillén Peraza de Ayala. He later became the first Count of La Gomera. They also had a daughter, Inés de Herrera y Ayala. She married Pedro Fernández de Lugo, another important figure in the Canary Islands.

See also

In Spanish: Hernán Peraza para niños

• Peraza family
• Conquest of the Canary Islands
• History of the Canary Islands