John I

John I., King of Portugal, the natural son of Pedro I., was born in 1357, and after a struggle against the rival claim of Beatrice, wife of John of Castile, succeeded his legitimate brother on the throne in 1385. He successfully resisted the efforts of the Castilians to subjugate Portugal, and by his strenuous and judicious policy secured the independence and future colonial greatness of his kingdom. In these schemes he was assisted by the sons of his marriage with Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt, Henry the Navigator being especially distinguished. After a reign of forty-eight years, John died in 1433, and is still spoken of as "the father of his country."