Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II facts for kids
Pedro Ruiz de Villegas y Cevallos II (born around 1304 in Burgos, died 1355 in Medina del Campo) was an important Spanish noble. He served the Kingdom of Castile and was a member of the Order of Santiago, a famous knightly order. Pedro was the leader of the House of Villegas family and was related to the House of Cevallos and House of Lucio families.
As the main heir of his family, he gained control over several towns and lands. These included Villegas, Manquillos, Castillo Pedroso, Moñux, Pedrosa del Páramo, Manciles, Valdegómez, and the palace of Sasamón. He was a key figure in the First Castilian Civil War. For his help in defeating the group supporting Blanche of Bourbon, he received the castle of Caracena. In 1354, he was also made the high adelantado of Castile, a very powerful royal official. However, just one year later, King Peter of Castile ordered his execution.
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Family Background
Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II was born in the city of Burgos in 1304. His parents were Ruy Pérez de Villegas I and Teresa González de Cevallos. His full name was Pedro Ruiz de Villegas Lucio y de Cevallos. He was the fourth head of the Villegas family and controlled many lands.
Pedro had three siblings:
- Sancho Ruiz de Villegas, known as «El Segundón», who married María Alfonso.
- Lope Ruiz de Villegas, who was the father of Alfonso López de Villegas.
- María Ruiz de Villegas, who married Lope Díaz Alcalde.
Life as a Nobleman
Becoming a Knight of the Band
In 1332, King Alfonso XI of Castile created a special group called the Knights of the Band. The King wanted to make his power stronger and control the powerful nobles in Castile. He asked certain nobles to dress like him, wearing white clothes and a special crimson (deep red) band.
These knights had to follow strict rules. They had to be very loyal to the King, take part in jousting tournaments, and live a disciplined life. Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II became a Knight of the Order of the Band, along with his younger brother, Lope Ruiz de Villegas.
Marriage and Royal Service
In 1348, Pedro married Teresa González de la Vega. She was the daughter of Garci Lasso de la Vega I, another important noble from Cantabria. On March 19, 1351, Pedro and Teresa sold most of their properties to Teresa's uncle, Garci Lasso de la Vega II.
Around 1350, Tello de Castilla, who was King Alfonso XI's son, inherited many properties. Tello chose Pedro Ruiz de Villegas to manage all his lands. This decision later caused problems for Pedro during the Castilian Civil War.
The Castilian Civil War
King Peter's Rule
King Alfonso XI of Castile died on March 26, 1350. His son, Prince Pedro, became king at only 16 years old. King Peter changed his father's plans. Instead of focusing on the Reconquista (the Christian reconquest of Spain), he wanted to reduce the power of the nobles and give more power to the crown and the middle class.
King Peter also took other unpopular steps, like protecting the Jewish community. When the nobles rebelled to protect their old rights, the King reacted very harshly. He even executed several nobles, including Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II's father.
Things got worse in 1351 when the Queen Mother, María de Portugal, ordered the killing of Leonor de Guzmán. Leonor had been King Alfonso XI's former lover and was held prisoner. Leonor was the mother of twins, Fadrique Alfonso de Castilla and Enrique II de Castilla. Enrique had secretly married Juana Manuel de Villena y Núñez de Lara in July 1350. This murder made the nobles even angrier and started the Castilian Civil War.
Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II was working for Tello de Castilla, who joined the rebellion against the King. Because of this, Pedro was also seen as an enemy of the King.
Pedro's Death
In 1355, King Peter of Castile strengthened his power in Segovia and later in Burgos. From there, he worked to defeat the remaining rebels. In April of that same year, King Peter ordered the assassination of Pedro Ruiz de Villegas II. Pedro was killed while he was sleeping, along with his squire, in the village of Medina del Campo.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Ruiz II de Villegas para niños
