Berenguela of Castile

Berenguela (or Berengaria) (1180-November 8, 1246), was briefly queen of Castile and León. The eldest daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Leonora of Aquitaine, she was briefly engaged to Conrad II, Duke of Swabia, but he was murdered in 1197 before they could be married.

Related Topics:
1180 - November 8 - 1246 - Castile - León - Alfonso VIII of Castile - Leonora of Aquitaine - Conrad II, Duke of Swabia - 1197

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Berenguela married Alfonso IX in 1198, but this was annulled in 1204 by Pope Innocent III because they were cousins. Berenguela and Alfonso had five children, including one who died in infancy, and when she returned to her father's court in Castile, she brought her children with her.

Related Topics:
Alfonso IX - 1198 - 1204 - Pope Innocent III

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Berenguela often found herself politically at odds with her former husband. Alfonso had two daughters, Sancha and Dulce, by an earlier wife, and wished to disinherit Berenguela's children in favor of these daughters. To this end, he invited John of Brienne to marry his eldest daughter and thusly inherit his kingdom. Berenguela sabotaged this plan by convincing John of Brienne to marry her own daughter, also named Berenguela, instead. Later, in 1230 when Alfonso died, Berenguela and Fernando acted to set aside the rights of Sancha and Dulce, and seized the Leonese throne.

Related Topics:
John of Brienne - 1230

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When her brother Henry died by accident in 1217, Berenguela renounced her rights to the throne, in favor of her son Fernando. Thereafter she served as the king's mother; according to the Cronica Latina, her "total intent and desire being to procure honor for her son in every way possible". Berenguela helped quell the rebellious nobles, and then arranged for Fernando to marry a high-born wife, Elizabeth of Swabia.

Related Topics:
Henry - 1217 - Fernando - Cronica Latina

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Berenguela maintained strong connections with her sister Blanca, who was Queen of France. It was Blanche who suggested sending Jeanne of Ponthieu as a bride for Fernando after his first wife's death.

Related Topics:
Blanca - Jeanne of Ponthieu

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