James II, Count of Urgell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James II the unlucky
Coat of arms of Urgell
20th Count of Urgell
Reign	1408–1413
Predecessor	Peter II, Count of Urgell
Successor	(annexation by Aragon)
Born	1380 Balaguer
Died	1 June 1433 Xàtiva
Spouse	Isabella of Aragon
Issue	Isabella Eleanor Joanna
House	Barcelona
Father	Peter II, Count of Urgell
Mother	Margarete Palaiologue
Religion	Catholic Church

James II (born in 1380, died June 1, 1433) was a powerful noble known as the Count of Urgell. He was also called "James the Unlucky" because of the challenges he faced. James was the last male member of a branch of the House of Barcelona, a very old and important family. He became a central figure in the fight against the House of Trastámara, another royal family, after they took over the Crown of Aragon in 1412.

Early Life and Family

James was born in Balaguer, a city in Spain. His father was Peter II, Count of Urgell, and his mother was Margaret Palaiologue. When his father passed away in 1408, James inherited the title of Count of Urgell.

In 1407, James married Isabella in Valencia. Isabella was the daughter of Peter IV of Aragon and the sister of Martin the Humane, who was the King of Aragon. King Martin thought highly of James and made him the lieutenant (a kind of chief officer) of the Kingdom of Aragon in 1408.

Claim to the Throne

The Succession Crisis

In 1409, a big event happened: Martin the Younger, who was supposed to inherit the Aragonese Crown, died. After this, King Martin appointed James as the governor-general. James believed this meant he was next in line to become king.

However, when King Martin died in 1410, there were six different people who claimed they should be the next king. According to the will of James I of Aragon, the crown should pass through the male family line. This rule would have made James the rightful king.

The Compromise of Caspe

Instead of following the old will, a special meeting was held. This meeting was called the Compromise of Caspe. At this meeting, the leaders decided that Ferdinand of Antequera would become the new king. This decision was a big disappointment for James.

Conflict and Imprisonment

Refusal to Accept the New King

James's mother, Margaret of Montferrat, and a man named Antón de Luna strongly encouraged him. They told him not to accept Ferdinand as the new king. James listened to them and decided to fight against Ferdinand.

Defeat and Capture

James's forces were defeated in battles at Castefrorite and Montearagón. After these losses, James sought safety in the castle of Balaguer. However, the royal troops surrounded the castle and began a siege. James had no choice but to surrender on October 31, 1413.

After his surrender, James was taken prisoner. He was first held in Teruel and then moved to Xàtiva. He remained imprisoned there for twenty years until he died on June 1, 1433.

James's Children

James had four daughters and one son:

• Isabella (1409–1430): She married Peter, Duke of Coimbra, in 1428.
• Eleanor (1414–1438): She married Raimon Orsini in 1436.
• Joanna (1415–1455): She married John I, Count of Foix in 1435. Later, she married Joan Ramon Folc III de Cardona in 1445. She had three children, including Juan Ramón Folc IV de Cardona, who became the first Duke of Cardona.
• Philip: He passed away around 1422 when he was still very young.
• Catherine: She also died young, not long after Philip, around 1424.