Peter I of Portugal

Pedro I of Portugal (April 8 1320 – January 18 1367) was the eighth king of Portugal (in English, Peter I), known as the Cruel (not to be confused with Pedro I of Castile, also known as Pedro the Cruel) or as the Lawful (Port. o Justiceiro). He was the third but only surviving son of Afonso IV of Portugal by his wife, princess Beatrice of Castile. Pedro I succeeded his father in 1357.

Related Topics:
April 8 - 1320 - January 18 - 1367 - King of Portugal - English - Pedro I of Castile - Port. - Afonso IV of Portugal - 1357

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Pedro is chiefly known for his love of Inês de Castro, the Castilian maidservant that his father had killed in 1355. Pedro certainly led at least two revolts against his father before acceeding to the throne. Once he was king he announced that he had married Inês de Castro in secret and that she, despite dead, was Queen of Portugal. This fact is based only in the king's word.

Related Topics:
Inês de Castro - 1355

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As King, Pedro was a surprising success. Although he brutally murdered the killers of Inês de Castro, he also persecuted felons of all classes, and instituted reforms to free the Portuguese Crown and Church from Papal intervention. His wife, Constanza, had been a Castilian princess, and it was for this reason, Pedro joined an Aragonese invasion of Castile-Leon.

Related Topics:
Papal - Aragon - Castile-Leon

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