Padilla

Padilla, Juan Lopez de, born at Toledo about 1490, rose in the service of Charles V. to be military governor of Saragossa. He joined in the movement against the oppressive misgovernment of the king, and became head of the Junta which set up the imbecile Joanna as sovereign. In the Guerro de las comunidades which followed, Padilla gained some success, capturing Torrelobaton and other places. However, in 1522 he was overwhelmed and captured at Villalar. On the day after his defeat he was beheaded; but his wife defended Toledo after his death, and is associated with him in many Spanish ballads and legends.