Peter of Castile: The Complex King of Contrasts

A Reign of Cruelty and Culture

Peter of Castile, known as both "the Cruel" and "the Just", was the King of Castile and León from 1350 to 1369. He was the last ruler of the main branch of the House of Ivrea, a dynasty that had ruled Castile for over a century. Peter's reign was marked by a striking duality, as he was both notorious for his cruelty and a patron of the arts.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 30, 1334, in the defensive tower of the Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas in Burgos, Spain, Peter was the son of Alfonso XI of Castile and Maria of Portugal. According to Pero López de Ayala, the royal chancellor and chronicler, Peter had a pale complexion, blue eyes, and very light blonde hair, and stood at an impressive 1.83 meters (6 ft 0 in) tall. He was known for his muscular build and was accustomed to long, strenuous hours of work.

Rise to Power and Royal Intrigue

Peter's ascension to the throne was marked by turmoil and intrigue. He was initially under the control of his mother and her favorites, but with the encouragement of his mother's second cousin, the Portuguese minister Count Alburquerque, he began to assert his authority. In 1353, he secretly married María de Padilla, who would become a powerful influence on his life and reign.

In the same year, Peter was coerced by his mother and the nobles into marrying Blanche of Bourbon, but he deserted her immediately upon hearing rumors that she was not a virgin. This tumultuous start to his reign set the tone for a lifetime of controversy and drama.

Culture and Patronage

Despite his reputation for cruelty, Peter was a well-read and cultured individual who patronized the arts. He was a lover of music, poetry, and entertainment, and his court attracted some of the most talented artists and intellectuals of the time.

Persecution and Excommunication

Peter's treatment of the clergy, however, was a different story. He was known for his persecution of the Church, and his numerous cruelties and excesses eventually led to his excommunication by Pope Urban V. This dramatic rift with the Church would haunt Peter's reign and legacy.

Personal Relationships and Scandals

Peter's personal life was marked by scandal and drama. His marriage to María de Padilla was considered illegitimate by the Church, and his treatment of his second wife, Blanche of Bourbon, sparked outrage throughout Europe. Peter of Castile's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a king who embodied both the light and dark aspects of humanity, and his reign continues to fascinate and horrify historians to this day. As the last ruler of the House of Ivrea, Peter's reign marked the end of an era, and his tumultuous life and reign continue to shape our understanding of medieval Europe.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Peter was known for his love of women, and his numerous affairs and illegitimate children were a frequent source of scandal.
• He was a talented musician and poet, and his court was renowned for its cultural achievements.
• Peter's height of 1.83 meters (6 ft 0 in) was unusually tall for his time, and he was known for his athleticism and physical strength.

Despite his many flaws and controversies, Peter of Castile remains a fascinating and complex figure, a true original who continues to captivate and intrigue us to this day.