Career

At the age of 20, Juan de Tovar y Toledo joined the army of Henry III of Castile and took part in the Reconquista, having fought at the Battle of Collejares. He is also likely to have participated in most of the king"s unsuccessful attempts to seize Granada. Because of his deeds in battle he was offered the domains of Caracena and appointed Guarda Mayor (chief of the king"s personal guard) by Henry"s successor, John II of Castile.

He also built the fortification that came to be known as Torreón de los Tovar, at Boca de Huérgano.