Fadrique Enríquez

Who is Fadrique Enríquez?

Fadrique Enríquez, 4th Lord of Medina de Rioseco, was the 4th Admiral of Castile and played an important role in defeating the Revolt of the Comuneros.

Fadrique Enríquez was the son of Alonso Enríquez and María de Velasco. He inherited his father's possessions in Palencia and the castle of Medina de Rioseco. On February 14 1490, he was appointed Admiral of Castile by the Reyes Católicos. He was a cousin of King Ferdinand II of Aragon, son of John II of Aragon and Juana Enríquez of Córdoba.

Fadrique Enríquez was hot-tempered and was banished to Sicily after a row with Queen Isabella I of Castile. In 1489 he was rehabilitated and participated in the conquest of Baza and the Battle of Granada.

During his stay in Sicily, he married the very rich Ana de Cabrera, countess of Modica, Osona, Cabrera and Bas. They had no children.

Fadrique Enríquez himself was count of Melgar, lord of Medina de Rioseco, Mansilla, Rueda, Aguilar, and Villabrajima and was one of the richest persons in Spain. His yearly income was estimated at 50.000 ducats.

In 1496 he accompanied Joanna of Castile to Flanders to be married to Philip the Handsome. On his return, he escorted Philip's sister, Margaret, to Spain to be married to prince John.