John II of Castile

John II (1405-1454), King of Castile, was born on March 6, 1405, the son of Henry III of Castile and of his wife Catherine, daughter of John of Gaunt.

He succeeded his father on December 25, 1406, at the age of a year and ten months. It was one of the many misfortunes of Castile that the long reign of John II -- forty-nine years -- should have been granted to one of the least capable of her kings. John was amiable, weak, and dependent on those about him. He had no taste except for ornament and no serious interest except in amusements, verse-making, hunting, and tournaments.

He was entirely under the influence of his favourite, Alvaro de Luna[?], till his second wife, Isabella of Portugal, obtained control of his feeble will. At her instigation he threw over his faithful and able favorite, a meanness which is said to have caused him much remorse. He died on July 20, 1454, at Valladolid. By his second marriage he was the father of Isabella "the Catholic."

This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.

Preceded by: Henry III of Castile

List of Castilian monarchs

Followed by Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon/ Ferdinand V of Castile