The Castle of Penedono
The primitive castle was built in 10th century. In 14th century, the castle was rebuilt. It is a castle-palace of polygonal plan surrounded by low barbican. The main portal is between quadrangular towers crowned by battlements.
The Legend of “The Twelve of England”
Twelve English ladies were offended by twelve nobles, also Englishmen, who said they did not deserve the noble title of "ladies". The ladies defied anyone to defend them with the strength of the sword.
The ladies asked for help from friends and relatives but they refused, except the Duke of Lancaster, who knew the Portuguese well. The Duke presented them the name of twelve Lusitanian knights able to defend their female honor.
Each of the ladies wrote to each of the twelve Portuguese knights and even to King John 1st of Portugal. As the Portuguese were gentlemen, the “Twelve� decided to go to England.
Eleven Knights followed by sea, but one of them, "The Magriço", decided to follow by land, in his horse. In the tournament, the ladies were already dressed in black,because their defenders were loosing…but, at the last moment, "Magriço" appeared and the fight was won by the Portuguese.
HGP Teacher: Leonor Victorino