Constance of Castile

1354 - 24 March 1394

House: Castilian House of Ivrea

Titles: Duchess consort of Lancaster, Duchess consort of Aquitaine, Lady of the Garter, Claimant to the Crown of Castile

Constance of Castile was a claimant to the Crown of Castile, born to King Peter and María de Padilla. Her father was dethroned and killed by his half-brother, King Henry II. Constance was besieged at Carmona until 1371, after which she married the English prince John of Gaunt, who sought the Castilian throne in her name but was unsuccessful.

Constance made a ceremonial entry into London in 1372 as the queen of Castile and was made a lady of the Garter in 1378. She passed away at Leicester Castle and was interred at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of the Newarke in Leicester. Her daughter, Catherine, married Henry II’s grandson, uniting the rival claims to the Castilian throne.

Notable events

1369
Father, King Peter, killed by half-brother Henry II, who became king.
1371
End of siege at Carmona and marriage to John of Gaunt.
9 February 1372
Ceremonial entry into London as queen of Castile.
1378
Constance was made a lady of the Garter.
1374-1375
Birth and death of son John.
c. 1390
Began reign as Duchess consort of Aquitaine.
1394
End of reign as Duchess consort of Lancaster upon her death.
24 March 1394
Death at Leicester Castle.
Unknown
Burial at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of the Newarke, Leicester.
Unknown
Her daughter Catherine's marriage to Henry III of Castile, uniting rival claims.

Other details

Death: Died at the age of 39-40 at Leicester Castle, buried at the Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady of the Newarke, Leicester.

Children: 1 son (John), 1 daughter (Catherine)

Marriages: John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster

Parents: Peter of Castile and María de Padilla

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/