Role 1453–1468 Name Alfonso, of | Religion Roman Catholicism House House of Trastamara | |
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Died July 5, 1468, Cardenosa, Spain Parents Isabella of Portugal, Queen of Castile, John II of Castile Siblings Isabella I of Castile, Henry IV of Castile Grandparents Henry III of Castile, Catherine of Lancaster, John, Constable of Portugal, Isabel of Barcelos Similar People Isabella I of Castile, Henry IV of Castile, John II of Castile, Isabella of Portugal - Queen of, Joan of Portugal | ||
Alfonso the Innocent (17 November 1453 – 5 July 1468) was the figurehead of rebelling Castilian magnates against his half-brother Henry IV, who had recognized him as heir presumptive with the title of Prince of Asturias.
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Childhood
Alfonso was the only surviving son of John II by his second wife, Isabella of Portugal. Alfonso's sister, the future Isabella I of Castile, was also the product of this second marriage.
After the death of his father, John II, Alfonso, his mother and sister were virtually exiled, his mother to Arevalo and the children to Segovia. When Alfonso was around seven years of age the two children were moved to Henry's court at Madrid and were placed in Queen Joan's household. During this period it is rumored that Queen Joan tried to poison Alfonso on at least one occasion, to pave the way for her own daughter to inherit the throne.
Heir to the Throne
In early 1460s, Castilian nobles became dissatisfied with the rule of King Henry IV, and believed that the child (Joanna, Princess of Asturias) that Henry's wife Queen Joan had given birth to was not sired by Henry. Propaganda and rumour encouraged by the league of rebellious nobles argued that her father was Beltrán de la Cueva, a royal favorite of low background who had been elevated to enormous power by Henry and who, by some, has been suggested as Henry's lover. This resulted in the name "Juana la Beltraneja", which has stuck with the girl throughout history. If Joanna were illegitimate, the next candidate would be Alfonso. If she were legitimate—which is entirely possible—then Alfonso and, ultimately, his famous sister Isabella the Catholic would both have been usupers. Considering Isabella's impact on world history, this question has fascinated historians for centuries.
"Alfonso XII"
The league of nobles controlling Alfonso forced Henry with the 1464 Representation of Burgos to repudiate Joanna and recognize Alfonso as his official heir. Alfonso then became Prince of Asturias, a title previously held by Joanna. Henry agreed to the compromise with the stipulation that Alfonso someday marry Joanna, to ensure that they both would one day receive the crown.
Not long after this, Henry reneged on his promise and began to support his daughter's claim once more. The nobles in league against him conducted a ceremonial deposition-in-effigy of Henry outside the city of Avila and crowned Alfonso as a rival king. This event is known in history as the Farce of Avila. Shortly thereafter, Alfonso began handing out land and titles as if he were already uncontested ruler. A civil war began. The most notable clash was at the Second Battle of Olmedo in 1467, which concluded as a draw.
However, in 1468 at the age of only 14, Alfonso suddenly died. The cause of death is not known, but it likely to have been an illness such as consumption or plague (although it is rumored that he been deliberately poisoned by his enemies). His will left his crown to his sister, Isabella, who was asked to take her brother's place as the champion of the rebels. Shortly thereafter, she declined, and after a negotiation at Toros de Guisando, in which she and her allies received most of what they desired, Henry was convinced to exclude Joanna la Beltraneja from the succession, and to recognize Isabella as his official heir. Though Henry continued to resist this decision when possible, his actions were ineffective, and he remained at peace with Isabella for the rest of his reign. Isabella became Castile's next monarch when he died in 1474.