House of Castro facts for kids

Coat of Arms of the House of Castro.

The House of Castro was a very important noble family from the Iberian Peninsula. They lived in the kingdoms of Castile, Galicia, and Portugal during the Middle Ages. Even though their exact beginnings are debated, the Castro family grew to be one of the most powerful noble families in both Spain and Portugal.

History of the Castro Family

The first known member of the Castro family was Count Fernando García de Hita. He lived in the early 1100s and was related to Urraca of León and Castile, a queen. Some historians believe he was the son of Queen Urraca's uncle, García II of Galicia. Other ideas suggest he was the son of Count García Ordóñez and a princess named Urraca Garcés of Navarre.

Rivalry and Power in Castile

During the rule of King Alfonso VIII, the Castro family became very powerful. A leader named Gutierrez Fernandez led the family. They were rivals with another strong family, the House of Lara. Both families wanted more power in the Kingdom of Castile.

The Galician Branch of Castro

Over time, the main line of the Castro family had no direct heirs. This led to a new branch of the family becoming important in Galicia. This Galician branch grew to be the most powerful noble family in Galicia. They were also one of the strongest noble families in all of Spain.

This branch was often connected to the county of Lemos. Two very famous members were the "Great Count of Lemos" and his uncle, Cardinal Rodrigo de Castro Osorio. Another important family member, Pedro Antonio Fernández de Castro, is still remembered in Peru.

The arms of Portuguese and Galician branches of the House of Castro

Decline of the House of Castro

The House of Castro was once one of the most powerful families in Spain and Portugal. However, they eventually faced a decline. This happened because they had fewer children to carry on the family name. As a result, the county of Lemos eventually passed to another noble family, the House of Alba.

The Galician branch of the House of Castro used a coat of arms with six blue circles on a silver background. The Portuguese branch used a similar design, but with thirteen circles on a gold background.

See also

In Spanish: Casa de Castro para niños