Stephanie Alfonso of Castile facts for kids

Stephanie Alfonso of Castile (Spanish: Estefanía Alfonso de Castilla) was a princess born between 1139 and 1148. She was the daughter of Alfonso VII of León and Castile, who was a king, and Urraca Fernández de Castro. Stephanie was known as Stephanie the Unfortunate (Estefanía la Desdichada) because of the sad way she died.

Her Early Life

Stephanie was born sometime between 1139 and 1148. Her father, King Alfonso VII, was a powerful ruler. We know her birth was around this time because of official documents from 1148 that mention her and her mother.

Her Marriage

In 1157, Stephanie's father, King Alfonso VII, passed away. His kingdoms were then divided between her two half-brothers, Sancho III of Castile and Fernando II of León.

Stephanie later married Fernando Rodríguez de Castro. He was a very important leader of the House of Castro family. Fernando was known as "the Lion" in his home region of Castile. He later moved to León and served King Fernando II, who called him "the Castilian."

King Fernando II gave Fernando Rodríguez de Castro important jobs. He was made governor of several cities like Cuéllar, Dueñas, Valladolid, Toro, and Asturias. He even became the king's mayordomo mayor, which was a very high position, like a chief steward.

Fernando Rodríguez de Castro had been married before, but that marriage ended. King Fernando II rewarded him for his loyalty and service by arranging his marriage to Stephanie. The king also gave them the infantazgo of León, which was a special land grant. Stephanie and Fernando had one son named Pedro Fernández de Castro.

Her Death

Sadly, Stephanie died on July 1, 1180. Her husband, Fernando, was involved in her death. Because of this tragic event, she became known as 'Stephanie the Unfortunate'.

Stephanie was buried in the basilica of San Isidoro in León. She left behind her young son.

See also

In Spanish: Estefanía Alfonso la Desdichada para niños