Pedro Fernández de Velasco, 2nd Count of Haro facts for kids
Pedro Fernández de Velasco, 2nd Count of Haro (born around 1425 – died 1492), was an important Spanish nobleman and military leader. He lived during the final years of the Reconquista, which was a long period when Christian kingdoms in Spain fought to take back land from Muslim rule.
Pedro was born in Burgos, Spain. His father was also named Pedro Fernández de Velasco, and his mother was Beatriz Manrique. He grew up to become a powerful figure in the Kingdom of Castile.
Important Roles
Pedro Fernández de Velasco held several key positions. He became the Camarero Mayor (a high-ranking official, like a chief chamberlain) for King Henry IV of Castile. This meant he was very close to the king and managed many royal affairs.
In 1473, King Henry IV gave him the title of Constable of Castile. This was a very important military role, like being the commander-in-chief of the army. The king made this title hereditary, meaning it would pass down in Pedro's family.
Military Achievements
Pedro Fernández de Velasco was a skilled military leader. He took part in several important battles and conquests during the Reconquista.
He helped conquer the cities of Úbeda and Baeza. Both of these victories happened on Saint Andrew's day. He also fought against the Moors (Muslims) in battles at Gibraltar and Archidona.
His final military action was during the conquest of Granada, which was the last Muslim stronghold in Spain. He died during this important campaign in 1492.
Family Life
Pedro Fernández de Velasco married Mencía de Mendoza y Figueroa. They had ten children together. Some of their notable children included:
- Bernardino Fernández de Velasco, 1st Duke of Frías: He became the 1st Duke of Frías. He married Blanca de Herrera and later Juana of Aragon, who was the daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon.
- Íñigo Fernández de Velasco, 2nd Duke of Frías: He became the 2nd Duke of Frías and married María de Tovar, Lady of Berlanga.
- Catarina de Velasco: She married Pedro de Zúñiga, 2nd Count of Miranda.
- Leonor de Velasco: She married Juan Téllez-Girón, 2nd Count of Ureña.
- María de Velasco: She married Juan Pacheco, 1st Duke of Escalona and later Beltrán de la Cueva, 1st Duke of Alburquerque.
- Isabel Fernandez de Velasco: She married Juan Alonso de Guzmán, 3rd Duke of Medina Sidonia.
Pedro Fernández de Velasco and his wife, Mencía de Mendoza y Figueroa, are buried together in the Capilla del Condestable (Chapel of the Constable) inside the famous Burgos Cathedral.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Fernández de Velasco (1425-1492) para niños
