Henry III of Castile

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Henry III (October 4, 1379–1406), sometimes known as Henry the Sufferer or Henry the Infirm (Spanish: Enrique el Doliente) was the son of John I and succeeded him as King of Castile and León in 1390.

Henry was born in Burgos, the capital of Castile. Before becoming king, he was known by the title Prince of Asturias, designating him as the heir apparent. After succeeding to the throne at 11, Henry took power at 14. He was able to pacify the nobility and restore royal power. During his reign, the Castilian fleet won several victories against the English; Henry sent a naval fleet in 1400 that destroyed Tétouan in North Africa, a pirate base. In 1402, Henry began the colonization of the Canary Islands, sending French explorer Jean de Béthencourt. He also sent envoys to Timur.

In 1388, Henry married Katherine of Lancaster (Catalina de Lancaster; 1372–1418), the daughter of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and Gaunt's second wife, Constance of Castile, who was the elder daughter of Pedro of Castile. This ended a dynastic conflict and solidified the House of Trastamara. Henry and Catherine's son became John II of Castile, who succeeded Henry when he died in Toledo, Catherine acting as Regent of Castile because John II was then underage.

[edit] Children

All of them by his wife Catherine of Lancaster:

Catalina
John II of Castile
Maria of Castile. Married Alfonso V of Aragon.

House of Trastámara Born: 4 October 1379; Died: 1406
Preceded by: John I	King of Castile and León 1390-1406	Succeeded by: John II
New Title	Prince of Asturias 1388-1390	Vacant Title next held by John II