Constance of Castile
Early Life and Background
Constance of Castile was born in 1354, a member of the Castilian royal family. She was the daughter of King Peter I of Castile, also known as Peter the Cruel, and his mistress, María de Padilla. Constance's early life was marked by the political turmoil and familial conflicts characteristic of 14th-century Castile. Her father's reign was notorious for its brutality and the internal strife that plagued the kingdom, including conflicts with the nobility and rival claimants to the throne.
Marriage and Political Alliances
In 1371, Constance married John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, a significant political figure in England and the son of King Edward III of England. This marriage was part of a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening John of Gaunt's claim to the Castilian throne, which he pursued through his wife Constance's lineage. The union was politically motivated, as John of Gaunt sought to expand his influence and secure a foothold in the Iberian Peninsula.
Claim to the Castilian Throne
Constance's claim to the Castilian throne was a central aspect of her marriage to John of Gaunt. Following the death of her father, King Peter I, in 1369, the throne was seized by his illegitimate half-brother, Henry II of Castile. This usurpation led to a protracted conflict over the rightful succession to the Castilian crown. Constance, as the legitimate daughter of Peter I, was considered by some factions as the rightful heir, and her marriage to John of Gaunt provided a powerful ally in her quest to reclaim her inheritance.
Life in England
After her marriage, Constance resided primarily in England, where she became a prominent figure at the English court. Her presence in England was marked by her involvement in the political and social affairs of the time, as well as her efforts to maintain her claim to the Castilian throne. Constance's life in England was also characterized by her role as a mother, as she and John of Gaunt had two children: Catherine of Lancaster and John.
The Castilian Campaign
In 1386, John of Gaunt launched a military campaign to assert Constance's claim to the Castilian throne. This campaign, known as the Castilian Expedition, was a significant military undertaking that involved a coalition of English and Portuguese forces. Despite initial successes, the campaign ultimately failed to secure the Castilian crown, and a truce was negotiated in 1388. As part of the settlement, Constance's daughter, Catherine, was married to Henry III of Castile, thereby strengthening ties between the English and Castilian royal families.
Later Life and Legacy
Constance spent her later years in England, where she continued to be involved in courtly life and the affairs of the English nobility. She died on March 24, 1394, and was buried at Leicester Abbey. Constance's legacy is closely tied to her role in the dynastic politics of the 14th century, particularly her efforts to assert her claim to the Castilian throne and her influence on the Anglo-Castilian relations of the period.