Pedro Fernández de Castro (Grand Master of the Order of Santiago) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Fernández de Castro
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| Grand Master of the Order of Santiago | |
| In office 1170–1184 |
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| Monarch | Ferdinand II of León Alfonso VIII of Castile |
| Succeeded by | Fernando Díaz |
Pedro Fernández de Castro, also known as Pedro Fernández de Fuentecalada (around 1115 – 1184), was a very important Spanish nobleman. He was the first Grand Master of the Order of Santiago. He also founded the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Valcárcel. Pedro was a member of the powerful House of Castro family.
Pedro's Family
Pedro was the son of Fernando García de Hita. Fernando was the person who started the famous Castro family. Pedro's mother was Estefanía Ermengol, who was the daughter of Ermengol V, Count of Urgell.
Life and Achievements
Pedro fought in the army of Alfonso VII of León and Castile. He helped conquer areas like Aurelia and Alharilla. These places are now part of Santa Cruz de la Zarza.
In 1146, Pedro took part in more military actions. He helped capture Baeza and land troops in Almería. These actions were very important. They greatly weakened the Moorish navy, taking them out of the war.
Later, Pedro went on a crusade to the Holy Land. While there, he decided to create a new military order. This order would protect the tomb of Saint James the Apostle. It would also protect the Way of St. James, a famous pilgrimage route.
On August 4, 1165, Pedro made a special gift. He, his wife, his sister Urraca, and his children gave a house to Abbot Miguel. This house was in Santa Cruz de Valcárcel. It was given to start a monastery based on the order's ideas. Pedro's wife's brothers, Nuño and Álvaro Pérez de Lara, approved this gift. Other family members also agreed.
Later that same year, when he was 50, Pedro officially started the Order of Santiago. This happened in the city of Cáceres. The idea for the order came during the Almohad invasion. It was also influenced by the Knights Templar, whom Pedro had met in the Holy Land. Pedro's wife and daughter later became nuns at the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Valcárcel.
A writer named Francisco de Rades y Andrada wrote about Pedro's death. He says Pedro died in 1184. Pedro was buried in the main chapel of the Convent of San Marcos, León.
Marriage and Children
Pedro Fernández married María Pérez de Lara. She was the daughter of Count Pedro González de Lara. They had several children:
- Fernando Pérez de Castro: He was known as "Potestad." He married Teresa Bermúdez and had children.
- Gómez Pérez de Castro: He was in charge of the area of Santullán.
- Elo Pérez de Castro: She was the first leader (abbess) at the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Valcárcel.
- María Pérez de Castro: She was also known as María de Aragón.
- Milia Pérez de Castro
 Grand Master of the Order of Santiago 1170 – 1184 |
Succeeded by Fernando Díaz |
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Fernández de Castro «Potestad» for kids
