Alfonso XI: ‘A King Entire’
The author reflects that it is impossible to evaluate the potential of Alfonso XI’s reign had it not been for the Cortes of Alcalá in 1348 and the Black Death. He also points out the significance, of the Glosa castellana of Egidius Colonna’s De regimine principum. Afonso IV’s complaints against the church of Coimbra are seen to show the smack of firm government, with more in the offing. The peninsular clergy and their ‘connubial bliss’ pass before our eyes. The chapter concludes with a general view of Castile in the late 1340s, and a ‘glimpse’ of the Galician Church and its need for firm government, a need which Avignon’s attempts to implement end in failure. Finally, we are reminded of Álvaro Pais and his world.