Mafalda of Castile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mafalda
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| Infanta of Castile | |
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Mafalda's coat of arms
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| Born | 1191 Plasencia |
| Died | 1204 (aged 12–13) Salamanca |
| Buried | Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas |
| Father | Alfonso VIII of Castile |
| Mother | Eleanor of England, Queen of Castile |
Mafalda de Castilla (born 1191, died 1204) was a princess, known as an Infanta of Castile. She was the daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England. Mafalda was also the sister of Henry I of Castile and Berenguela of Castile.
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Who Was Infanta Mafalda?
Mafalda was a young princess from the Kingdom of Castile, which is now part of Spain. She was born in 1191 in a place called Plasencia. Her father, Alfonso VIII, was a powerful king. Her mother, Eleanor, was the daughter of King Henry II of England. This made Mafalda part of a very important royal family.
Her Royal Family
Mafalda grew up with several brothers and sisters. Her brother, Henry I, later became King of Castile. Her sister, Berenguela, also played a big role in Spanish history. Being part of such a family meant Mafalda had a special place in the kingdom.
A Planned Royal Marriage
As a princess, Mafalda was expected to marry someone important. This was common for royal children at the time. Her marriage would help create strong alliances between kingdoms.
Engagement to Ferdinand of León
Mafalda was planned to marry Ferdinand of León. He was a prince from the neighboring Kingdom of León. This marriage would have joined two powerful royal families. It would have strengthened the peace and power of both kingdoms.
An Early Death
Sadly, Mafalda died in 1204, when she was only about 13 years old. She passed away in Salamanca, before her marriage could take place. Her early death meant the planned alliance did not happen.
Her Burial Place
Mafalda was buried in a very special place. She was laid to rest at the Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas in Burgos. This abbey was a royal monastery. Many members of the Castilian royal family were buried there.
Her Epitaph
On her tomb, there is an inscription. It says: "AQUÍ YACE DOÑA MAFALDA, HIJA DE ALFONSO VIII Y DE LA REINA DOÑA LEONOR Y HERMANA DE DOÑA BERENGUELA, QUE FINÓ EN SALAMANCA POR CASAR, EN 1204". This means: "Here lies Lady Mafalda, daughter of Alfonso VIII and Queen Eleanor and sister of Lady Berenguela, who died in Salamanca before marrying, in 1204." Another royal, Infante Pedro de Castilla y de Molina, is also buried nearby in the same area.
