Fadrique Alfonso of Castile

Fadriqe Alfonso of Castile (1334 - 1358) was the fifth illegitimate child of Alfonso XI of Castile and Eleanor of Guzman. He was born in Seville.

Related Topics:
1334 - 1358 - Alfonso XI of Castile - Eleanor of Guzman - Seville

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He fought against his half-brother Peter I of Castile, along with his brothers Henry, Tello, and Sancho, because of the death of their mother in 1351. He participated in the revolt of the Castillian nobles, but he was reconciled to Peter, and was named as the royal emissary to meet Blanche of Bourbon, Peter's future wife, at the border.

Related Topics:
Peter I of Castile - Henry - Tello - Sancho - 1351 - Blanche of Bourbon

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In 1354 he was put in charge of guarding the Portuguese border, and entered into negotiations with Juan Alonso of Alburquerque, a former court favourite who had fallen into disgrage, to betray Peter. The people of Toledo were able to help Fadrique Alfonso, and he appeared at the head of a force of 700 soldiers. For a short time a civil war was avoided, Peter appeared to concede, and offered Fadrique Alfonso an important post at court.

Related Topics:
1354 - Juan Alonso of Alburquerque - Toledo

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However Peter then headed for Talavera de la Reina to reorganize his forces. Fadrique Alfonso was able to obtain an apparent pardon with the mediation of Juan Fernandez of Hinestrosa, a relative of Maria de Padilla, Peter's mistress. Meanwhile Henry was trying to win support in France.

Related Topics:
Talavera de la Reina - Juan Fernandez of Hinestrosa - Maria de Padilla - Henry - France

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Peter invited Fadrique Alfonso to visit him in Seville, and then ordered his death. Fadrique Alfonso tried to escape in the direction of the courtyard of the palace, where he was apprehended. Some sources state that it was Peter himself who killed him.

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