João Afonso de Albuquerque facts for kids

João Afonso de Albuquerque (born around 1304, died 1354) was a very important person in the kingdoms of Portugal and Castile. In Spanish, he was known as Juan Alfonso de Alburquerque. He was also nicknamed "o do Ataúde," which means "of the coffin." He was the 6th Lord of Alburquerque.

João Afonso came from the highest levels of nobility in Portugal. He was a smart politician. He was also related to the royal families of both Portugal and Castile, though through family lines where parents were not married.

He held many important titles, like Count of Alburquerque. He was also Lord of several towns such as Azagala, Codosera, Alconchel, Medellín, Meneses, and Tiedra. He served King Alfonso XI of Castile as his Alférez (a high-ranking military officer who carried the king's standard) from 1333 to 1336. Later, he became the Chancellor of Castile from 1350 to 1353. He was also the Mayordomo mayor (chief steward) to Prince Peter. This Prince later became King Peter I of Castile. João Afonso de Albuquerque died suddenly in 1354. Some people believe King Peter I had him poisoned.

Family and Early Life

Gate in the town of Alburquerque

João Afonso's father was Afonso Sanches. Afonso Sanches was the firstborn and favorite son of King Denis I of Portugal. His mother was Teresa Martins de Meneses. Teresa's mother was Teresa Sánchez, who was a daughter of King Sancho IV of Castile and León.

João Afonso de Albuquerque grew up in Lisbon, Portugal. He lived in the house of João Simão de Urrô. In 1314, João Simão de Urrô gave him some properties in Lisbon and in Alenquer.

A Trusted Advisor to King Peter I

Around 1330, João Afonso moved to Castile. He often appeared in official documents as the alférez (flag-bearer) for his cousin, King Alfonso XI. He also became the tutor (ayo) and later the mayordomo (chief steward) for Prince Peter. Prince Peter was only about fifteen years old when his father died.

João Afonso and Prince Peter became very close. João Afonso became the young king's favorite advisor. He was one of the most powerful politicians in the kingdom. He also served as Chancellor for King Alfonso XI and later for King Peter I.

In 1351, when the Cortes (a type of parliament) met in Valladolid, João Afonso was at the peak of his power. He had a big say in the decisions made there. They passed rules to help trade with Flanders. They also worked to catch criminals. They tried to fix the economy by controlling prices and wages. They also started a census of the Behetrías. These were communities that could choose their own lord. This census led to a detailed record called the Becerro de las Behetrías de Castilla.

João Afonso also helped arrange the marriage of King Peter I. The king married Blanche, daughter of Peter I, Duke of Bourbon. This marriage was meant to make the relationship between Castile and France stronger. João Afonso was the best man at the wedding. The wedding took place on June 3, 1353, in Valladolid.

Loss of Favor and Death

Monastery of Santa María de la Santa Espina in Castromonte, where Juan Alfonso de Alburquerque was buried.

João Afonso's ideas favored an alliance with France. Also, he had too much influence at the royal court. This made King Peter I start to distance himself from João Afonso. The King began to think about becoming allies with England instead.

Fearing the king's anger, João Afonso went to his properties in Extremadura. Then he returned to Portugal. King Peter replaced João Afonso's closest friends and advisors with people connected to his mistress, María de Padilla.

During this time, João Afonso made an agreement with Prince Henry II of Castile. Henry was the king's half-brother. Henry had formed a group with other noblemen to fight against King Peter I. According to the historian Pero López de Ayala, João Afonso met with Henry and another important leader. The three of them made a plan. After that, they went to Alburquerque, attacked lands in Badajoz, and took over Ciudad Rodrigo.

A few days after the rebels successfully took over Medina del Campo, João Afonso de Albuquerque died suddenly in that city in 1354. Most likely, he was poisoned. The historian Pero López de Ayala wrote that a doctor gave him a poisonous drink, following King Peter I's orders.

Burial

After João Afonso's death, the King's rivals carried his coffin around the kingdom. They did not bury him until King Peter I was defeated. His final resting place was the Monastery of Santa María de la Santa Espina. This monastery is in the province of Valladolid. His wife and their only son were later buried there too.

Family and Children

Between 1323 and 1324, João Afonso married his cousin, Isabel Téllez de Meneses. She was the tenth Lady of Meneses. She was the daughter of Tello Alfonso de Meneses and Maria of Portugal. Maria of Portugal was a granddaughter of Afonso III of Portugal.

João Afonso and Isabel had one son:

• Martin Gil de Alburquerque (born around 1325, died 1365). He became Lord of Alburquerque after his father's death. He was also the adelantado (a high official) of Murcia. King Peter I ordered his execution in 1365. Martin Gil was buried in the same monastery as his parents. His death meant the end of this main family line. His lands were taken by King Peter and added to the royal lands.

João Afonso de Albuquerque also had several children with Maria Rodrigues Barba. She was the daughter of Rui Martins Barba and Iria Martins Alardo. Their children were:

• Fernando Afonso de Albuquerque (born around 1327, died 1387). He was Lord of Vila Nova de Anços and Master of the Order of Santiago. He also had children.
• Beatriz Afonso de Albuquerque. She married João Afonso Telo. He was the brother of Queen Leonor Teles. He was the 6th Count of Barcelos and Admiral of Portugal. He died in the Battle of Aljubarrota.
• Maria Afonso de Albuquerque. She married Gonçalo Teles de Meneses. He was the first Count of Neiva and Lord of Faria. He was also the brother of Beatriz's husband.

João Afonso had another son with María Gil:

• Pedro Gil de Alburquerque.