Why a Booktrail?
1474: Isabelle de Castile ascends the throne..
Isabel: Jewel of Castilla
What you need to know before your trail
When the King of Spain decides to use the marriage of his fourteen-year-old sister for political gain, young Isabel finds creative and clever ways to avoid becoming a bride until she meets the man whom she wants to wed.
Travel Guide
BookTrail Travel To Medieval Spain
Isabella was born in Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Ávila on 22 April 1451. She was second in line to the throne after her older half-brother Henry IV of Castile. Henry was 26 at that time and married, but childless. Her younger brother Alfonso of Castile was born two years later so she became third in line.
When King Henry IV of Castile ascended to the throne, Isabella and her brother Alfonso were left in King Henry’s care. Alfonso was placed in the care of a tutor while Isabella became part of the Queen’s household. Isabella’s younger brother Alfonso died in July 1468, and she became Queen.
Political turmoil followed as the kingdoms of Castille and Leon were enemies and wrapped up in fights and warfare with each other and others. Isabella became a valuable asset and her marriage was a bargaining tool. She herself decided to marry her second cousin, Ferdinand of Aragon. They were married on 19 October 1469, in the Palacio de los Vivero in the city of Valladolid.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla (Royal Diaries)
Destination : Castille and Leon Author/guide: Carolyn Meyer Departure Time: 1400s
Back to ResultsWhere Next?
