The Bloody Hand

The Bloody Hand

Many streets in Toledo have their own legend. This is the case of the “Calle de la Mano”, as we can read in this text: Pedro Suárez, Mayor of Toledo in 1385 dies in the battle of Aljubarrota, having slapped his daughter for her disobedience.

The Bloody HandDuros were the omens and the heat in the land of the Kingdom of Portugal. Pedro Suarez, mayor of the very noble city of Toledo, watched enduring the harsh conditions of the battlefield, ready to defend his lord, John I of Castile. It was on August 14, 1385, and on its mount contemplated the extension of both armies, on one side, the Castilians, and on the other, the soldiers of Juan I of Portugal. Just over 30,000 soldiers waited for the terrible order, which would impel them to give up their lives for their King.

Six in the afternoon. The sun was still strong and made the armor shine, under which the bodies of the soldiers were cooked. The dust raised by thousands of feet made the atmosphere unbreathable, and the crushing of metals made waiting unbearable; the animals, horses and dogs that accompanied the noblest also showed their desperation and nervousness to enter the battle. Heat exhaustion and troop movement were noticeable, but this was the opportunity. It was the opportunity to declare the Portuguese territories the property of the King of Castile.

The two armies await, face to face, the beginning of the battle. Pedro Suárez hears loud cries from the flank of the French cavalry that accompanies his troops. The battle begins.

I’m sure you’re also interested: Mariquita la Pelona, a legend from Toledo

After a few moments of bewilderment, the casualties among the knights are very strong, due to the rain of Portuguese arrows. Many others are taken prisoner. Pedro Suarez and his group of knights and soldiers will soon move forward, and so they do.