Ferdinand and Isabella: Securing the Throne
1469: I and F marry, cousins, marriage is a secret-hoping to bolster chances of becoming rulers of respective countries.
Marriage Contract:
-F should live in Castile & support policy of reconquering land from Moors
-F to respect Castile’s customs
-All public decisions to have both signatures
1474: contract altered, I and F jointly dispense justice
1475: F can act without I in Castile
Only Isabella could grant patronage and gifts to nobles, she was also solely responsible for administration of Castile and it’s territories.
Fight For Crown Of Castile
- King Henry dies, I proclaims herself queen, she is half sister of Henry.
- Henry has daughter, Joanna, but she is thought to be illegitimate.
- I has been building support for years: she is proclaimed queen in Segovia.
- Joanna also claims throne, becomes engaged to King Alfonso V of Portugal, strengthens claim.
- 1475: War breaks out between I and J supporters, it took Isabella 5yrs to gain control of Castile- with help of Ferdinand.
Isabella Gaining Support
- Supported by Grandees (highest nobles) e.g. Mendoza Family.
- Backed by Toledo and other towns, because she confirms their privileges.
- Receives F’s support: travels country rallying support
Gains support of Grandees on Joanna’s side by:
- Giving grants of new land
- Grants of titles and royal offices, either confirmed or newly given.
- Reaffirmation of right to collect financial grants awarded since 1464.
Joanna goes to convent in Portugal in 1479, I gains throne.
1479: F father dies, F becomes king of Aragon.
Joint Rule
- Each kingdom kept own language and style of governance.
- They had little say in each other’s kingdoms.
- Secured succession, 3 daughters and a son.
- Worked in harmony: both on seals and coins, signed documents together, F given active role in governing Castile and foreign policy.
- However, Only Castile allowed to trade in New World.
- Customs duties between 2 kingdoms.
