Peter the Cruel
King of Castile and Leon; born in 1334; succeeded his father, Alfonso XI., in 1350. His reign was one long series of cruelties and despotic acts. The year following his coronation he put to death Eleanora de Guzman, his father's mistress. In 1353 he married, though contrary to his will, Blanche of Bourbon, one of the most accomplished princesses of the time, whom, however, he abandoned two days after PETITION ending their days near the holy sepulcher. Peter was of the number, and on his return to Europe made so pathetic a representation of the state of the Christians in Palestine to Pope Urban II., that he gave Peter leave to preach up the necessity of a crusade throughout Christendom. The appearance, ce, zeal, and eloquence of the hermit, produced a prodigious effect, and all ranks and ages, of both sexes, pressed eagerly into the service. With a motley army, estimated at 100,000 men, Peter passed through Hungary. In his absence, his followers attacked Solyman's army at Nicea, and all, except a few thousands, perished.
Peter remained in Palestine, and was at the siege of Antioch in 1097; but on his attempting to make his escape, shortly afterward, was brought back, and compelled to take a new oath of fidelity and obedience to the holy cause. Two years later he was present at the siege of Jerusalem, where he displayed great bravery, and when the place was taken, was made France, founded the abbey of Neufmou- vicar-general. Peter, on his return to stier, at Huy, in Liège, where he died in 1115. sa