Juan de Castilla y Haro facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Juan de Castilla y Haro
Lord of Cuéllar and Biscay
Arms of the House of Haro
Spouse(s)	Isabel of Portugal
Issue
María Díaz II de Haro
Noble family	Castilian House of Ivrea
Father	John of Castile
Mother	María II Díaz de Haro
Died	31 October 1326 Toro, Zamora

Juan de Castilla y Haro, often known as Juan el Tuerto (meaning "the one-eyed"), was an important Spanish noble. He belonged to the House of Haro and was also part of the royal family of the Kingdom of Castile, tracing his family back to King Alfonso X of Castile. Juan was the Lord of Cuéllar from 1319 to 1325. He also became the Lord of Biscay in 1322, a title he held until he was killed in 1326. This happened by order of King Alfonso XI of Castile.

Family Background

Juan was the son of María II Díaz de Haro and John of Castile. He inherited the Lordship of Biscay from his mother. His grandfather on his father's side was King Alfonso X of Castile. His grandfather on his mother's side was Diego López III de Haro.

Marriage and Children

Juan married Isabel of Portugal. She was known as the Lady of Penela. Isabel was the daughter of Infante Afonso of Portugal. Afonso was the son of King Afonso III of Portugal. Isabel's mother was Violante Manuel, who was the daughter of Infante Manuel of Castile.

Juan and Isabel had one child:

• María Díaz II de Haro: She later inherited the Lordship of Biscay. María married Juan Núñez III de Lara, who was the leader of the powerful House of Lara. Juan Núñez III de Lara was the son of Ferdinand de la Cerda and a great-grandson of King Alfonso X.

Political Challenges

During the time when King Alfonso XI of Castile was young, the kingdom faced many problems. Powerful nobles and knights often took advantage of weaker people. This led to a lot of violence and tension. In 1325, when King Alfonso was just fourteen, he decided to rule on his own. He no longer wanted the help of the regents (people who ruled for him while he was a child). Many people had left the kingdom because of the chaos. Everyone hoped the young king would bring back order. Juan el Tuerto was one of the powerful nobles who was ready to challenge the king if needed.

Death

Juan el Tuerto was invited to the city of Toro. He was told he would receive a pardon and make peace with King Alfonso. However, on October 31, 1326, the king ordered that Juan el Tuerto and two of his knights be killed. After this, the king called all the nobles to the town square. There, he explained that Juan had been involved in treason (betraying the king).

See also

• House of Haro
• Maria II Diaz de Haro
• House of Lara
• Lord of Biscay