Princess Isabella I, daughter of King John II of Castile and Queen Isabella of Portugal was born on April 22, 1451. Her birthplace was the little town of Madrigal de las Altas Torres, which is translated as 'Madrigal of the High Towers.' She had two brothers: Henry IV and Alfonso.
When her father died three years later, her mother educated her. A 9-year-old Isabella was offered in marriage to Prince Don Carlos of Viana, heir to Navarre's throne, by her brother King Henry. And when she was 13, he took her and Alfonso to his own court.
At this time, nobles were discontented with Henry. They did not see him as a leader because of his scandalous relationships with his second wife and Beltran de la Cueva. Infante Alfonso had reputedly died of poisoning. So the Castilian nobles looked to Infanta Isabella to lead them. They ignored Henry's daughter Joan, because they did not believe they were biologically related.
Since her brother still lived, Isabella declined the crown. To prevent conflict, Henry compromised with her supporters and recognized her as heiress, still overlooking his own child.
When she was 14, Isabella had chosen to marry Ferdinand of Aragon, who had also sought her hand in marriage. (Don Carlos had died.) She had turned down offers of other Spanish nobles and European dukes, who were mostly brothers of kings. Her brother wanted her to marry Alfonso V of Portugal and threatened her with imprisonment. At the very least, he told her not to do anything while he was away. Yet the very moment he left, she sent for Ferdinand, who had become the king of Sicily. He journeyed to meet Isabella and in 1469 they were married at the palace of Juan de Vivero.
Henry was powerless to stop her, and when he died she became Queen of Castile. Unfortunately, her niece Joan had married Alfonso V and the Castilian nobles now supported her. A war broke out between Spain and Portugal, but Joan renounced her claims and left Isabella free to take the throne. (Her husband Ferdinand had also become king of Aragon.)
The reign of Isabella and Ferdinand the Catholics was good and fruitful. The two loved one another and held the same power and authority. During war they would travel together at risk to their lives. Reforms brought positive changes to Spain. They had five children - Isabella, John, Joan, Maria, and Catherine.
Isabella was an influential woman. She sympathized with the American Indians and is best known for funding Columbus' voyage to America. When it came to her children, she made sure they had the greatest degree of education; this developed from her love of study and the Latin she had learned. This in turn influenced her subjects to love learning, and that even women should be educated. And when it was heard that she mended Ferdinand's garments, it had an effect on the vain and superficial court.
Queen Isabella the Catholic of Castile died on November 26, 1504, in the castle La Mota ("The Moat").
Why I Admire Her...
I like how Isabella had her own mind seperate from the noblity. She was still a compassionate person in refusing the crown earlier, even though her brother would cause problems in the marriage alliances. I like her love of learning and that women should have a right to knowledge as well as men. And most of all, I respect and admire how she followed her heart to marry Ferdinand.