Individual Details

Fernando I "the Great" King of Castilla

(Abt 1016 - 27 Dec 1065)

Fernando was born about 1018, the second son of Sancho III, king of Navarre, and his second wife Munia Elvira, daughter of Sancho Garces, count of Castile. In 1032 he married Infanta Sancha of León, daughter of Alfonso V, king of León and Elvira Menendez. They had five children of whom three sons would be kings, but only Alfonso VI would have progeny.

When his father died in February 1035, Fernando received Castile and was the first to be styled King of Castile. In 1037, after defeating and killing his brother-in-law Bermudo III, king of León, Fernando became king of León as well. He also added Asturias to his kingdom.

He successfully fought his brothers and the Moors. However prior to his death in 1065, he made the common mistake of dividing his lands among his children.

Source: Leo van de Pas

Events

BirthAbt 1016
Marriage1033Sancha Infanta de León
Death27 Dec 1065

Families

SpouseSancha Infanta de León (1015 - 1067)
ChildAlfonso VI King of Castilla (1039 - 1109)