Note 116 — BOOK II JOAN THE MAD
Reading edition
On the very day that Philip died, an attempt was made by a faction of nobles to obtain possession of the young Prince. The keeper of the Castle of Simancas was on his guard, as he knew of the King’s illness, and refused admittance to any but the two gentlemen who bore Philip’s signed order for the child to be delivered to them. When the morrow brought news of the King’s death, the Seneschal refused to obey the order, and defied the forces sent to capture the fortress.