Dona Eleanor of Avis (Portuguese: Leonor de Avis [li.uˈnoɾ ðɨ viˈzew]; 2 May 1458 – 17 November 1525), also known as Leonor de Lencastre or Eleanor of Viseu (after her father's title, Duke of Viseu), was a Portuguese infanta (princess) and queen consort of Portugal. She was the wife of King John II of Portugal and the sister of King Manuel I of Portugal. Eleanor is one of Portugal's more famous queen consorts and is best known as the founder of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, a charitable organization operating since 1498.
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Early life and background
Eleanor was the eldest daughter of Infante Fernando, Duke of Viseu and his wife Beatrice of Portugal. Both of her parents were grandchildren of John I of Portugal and Philippa of Lancaster.
Little is known about Eleanor's early life. Her education and upbringing were likely guided by the writings of her grandfather Edward I of Portugal.
Marriage
On 22 January 1471, twelve year old Eleanor married the fifteen year old John, Prince of Portugal, son of her uncle Afonso V and his wife Isabella of Coimbra and the heir apparent to the throne of Portugal. Around the same time, Eleanor's sister Isabel of Viseu married Fernando II of Braganza, head of the most powerful noble house in Portugal.