House of la Cerda facts for kids
The House de la Cerda is a very old and important family line from the Crown of Castile, which was a powerful kingdom in what is now Spain. This family started with Ferdinand de la Cerda, who was the oldest son of King Alfonso X. The House de la Cerda was one of the main noble families that came directly from the royal family in the 1200s. They are also the ancestors of the Dukes of Medinaceli.
The Start of the La Cerda Family
The La Cerda family began with Alfonso de la Cerda (born in 1270, died in 1333). He was the son of Prince Ferdinand de la Cerda. Prince Ferdinand was supposed to be king, but he passed away before his father, King Alfonso X.
King Alfonso X wanted his grandson, Alfonso de la Cerda, to be the next king. However, his second son, Prince Sancho, also wanted the throne. This disagreement led to Prince Sancho rebelling against his father.
After a long civil war, Prince Sancho became King Sancho IV. Later, a peace agreement was made after other kingdoms tried to invade. This agreement meant that the La Cerda princes could no longer claim the throne of Castile.
La Cerda Family Through the Ages
Even after losing their claim to the throne, the La Cerda family remained very important throughout the Middle Ages. They were a top noble family and played a big part in the politics of Castile.
Over time, the family's leadership sometimes passed through the female line. This happened when a noblewoman named Dona Isabel de la Cerda married Bernal de Foix. He became the first Count of Medinaceli.
Modern La Cerda Family Branches
Today, the House de la Cerda family has several branches. The most direct descendants are the Dukes of Medinaceli. Another branch is the Ducal House of Parcent.
From the House of Parcent, other noble families have also come, like the Marquesses of Eguaras and Cañada-Honda. These families show how the House de la Cerda has continued to be a part of Spanish nobility for centuries.
