Siege of León (1368)

The siege of León of 1368 was a successful siege of the city by the pretender Henry of Trastámara, in the course of the Castilian Civil War.

Siege of León
Part of the Castilian Civil War
Walls of León
Date January – 30 April 1368 Location León, Spain Result Henry victory
Belligerents
Castilians supporting Henry	Castilians supporting Pedro
Commanders and leaders
Henry of Trastámara	Unknown

History

In 1367, Henry of Castile, resoundingly defeated in the Battle of Nájera, went back to the Peninsula leading an army and taking Burgos. After seizing the town of Dueñas and its castle in mid-January 1368, Henry headed for the city of León, one of the capitals of the kingdom. León had remained loyal to King Pedro of Castile, and received his favors. Therefore, the city presented a strong resistance for several months, until the besiegers succeeded in seizing the convent of Santo Domingo, near the walls, and placed there a siege tower. Given the inability to defend the city, its defenders decided to surrender.

Upon the surrender of the city of León to king Henry, the whole Kingdom of Galicia did the same, and took sides with Henry.

References

• LÓPEZ DE AYALA, Pedro: Crónica del rey don Pedro, año 1368, cap. 1.