Pedro, Marshal of Navarre facts for kids
Pedro de Navarra (born before 1471, died November 24, 1522) was an important nobleman in the Kingdom of Navarre. He was the top military leader, known as the Marshal of Navarre. He served during Navarre's final years as an independent kingdom and through a very difficult time afterward.
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Pedro de Navarra came from a noble family. His family line went back to Leonel, who was a son of King Charles II of Navarre. The title of Marshal of Navarre was held by his family for a long time.
His grandfather, Felipe de Navarra, became marshal in 1428. Pedro's father, also named Pedro, took over the role in 1471. Sadly, his father died in Pamplona under unclear circumstances. Pedro the father had two sons, Felipe and Pedro (the subject of this article). Felipe, the older brother, was killed in 1481. This meant that Pedro, the younger son, became the next Marshal of Navarre after his father's death.
Pedro de Navarra had a son named Francisco de Navarra y Hualde before he got married. In 1498, he married Mayor de la Cueva. She was the daughter of a powerful duke. Together, they had a son, also named Pedro de Navarra. This younger Pedro later took part in the Siege of Hondarribia.
Pedro de Navarra was very loyal to the ruling family of Navarre, the House of Foix-Albret. He often handled important diplomatic missions for the kingdom. He was known more for his skills in talking and negotiating than for leading battles.
When Cesare Borgia, a skilled military commander, came to Navarre, he took charge of the kingdom's defense. Queen Catherine and King John III trusted Borgia to protect their land. After Cesare Borgia died in 1507, Pedro de Navarra became the Marshal of Navarre once again.
The Spanish Invasion of 1512
Pedro became a key figure in defending Navarre when King Ferdinand II of Aragón invaded the kingdom in 1512. This was a very challenging time for Navarre.
In 1516, Pedro was part of an attempt to fight back against the Spanish forces. However, this expedition failed, and he was captured at Isaba. While he was a prisoner in the Castle of Atienza in 1518, the new emperor, Charles V, offered him apologies. The emperor wanted Pedro to pledge loyalty to him.
Pedro's response showed his strong loyalty to Navarre: "I humbly ask His Majesty to show his greatness by giving me back my full freedom. I also ask for permission to go and serve those I am bound to. The loyalty and honesty His Highness expects from his servants, I will give to my own people. I will become their captive and servant."
This quote shows how much he valued his duty to his own kingdom.
Pedro de Navarra remained a prisoner in Simancas, a town in Castile. While he was there, his trusted servant, Felipe de Vergara, was taken away from him. Felipe had served Pedro for 23 years.
After the Imperial forces failed to capture Hondarribia from the French-Navarrese in 1522, Pedro de Navarra died. He had severe wounds, and it is believed he was assassinated. His death was kept very secret. The Imperial authorities did not announce it until February 9, 1523. At that time, Emperor Charles V ordered that all of Pedro's property be taken away. His will and letters also disappeared, and his body or personal items were never returned to his family.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro de Navarra y Lacarra para niños
- Principality of Béarn
- Ferdinand II of Aragon
- Henry II of Navarre
- History of the Basques
Images for kids
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Roncevaux, an important place in the 1516 attempt to take back Navarre.
