Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Novel of the Middle Ages and Queen of England

Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204) was one of the most influential and powerful women in medieval history. She was the only woman to be Queen of France and England, and she played a significant role in both countries' politics and culture. Eleanor's life was full of adventure and intrigue, and her story is a fascinating look into the Middle Ages.

The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Middle Ages Queen of England

by Elizabeth Chadwick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1351 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

FREE

Early Life

Eleanor was born in Aquitaine, France, in 1122. She was the daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine, and Aenor de Châtellerault. Eleanor was a beautiful and intelligent young woman, and she was quickly betrothed to Louis VII, King of France. They were married in 1137, when Eleanor was just 15 years old.

Queen of France

Eleanor was not happy as Queen of France. She found her husband to be weak and indecisive, and she was bored with life at the French court. In 1147, Eleanor accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade. The Crusade was a disaster, and Eleanor was disgusted by the violence and bloodshed she witnessed. She returned to France disillusioned with her marriage and with the Church.

Annulment and Marriage to Henry II

In 1152, Eleanor had her marriage to Louis annulled. She quickly remarried, this time to Henry II, Duke of Normandy. Henry was a powerful and ambitious man, and he was soon crowned King of England. Eleanor and Henry had eight children together, including five sons who would all become kings of England.

Queen of England

Eleanor was a strong and independent woman, and she played a significant role in English politics. She was a skilled diplomat, and she often negotiated treaties on behalf of her husband. Eleanor was also a patron of the arts, and she founded several schools and monasteries.

Later Life

Eleanor and Henry's marriage was not always happy. Henry was often unfaithful, and Eleanor was jealous and possessive. In 1173, Eleanor's sons Richard and Geoffrey rebelled against their father. Eleanor supported her sons, and she was imprisoned by Henry for several years. After Henry's death in 1189, Eleanor was released from prison. She spent the rest of her life traveling and visiting her children.

Legacy

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy. She was a powerful and influential queen, a skilled diplomat, and a patron of the arts. Eleanor's story is a fascinating look into the Middle Ages, and she continues to inspire women today.

Additional Information

* Eleanor of Aquitaine was known for her beauty and her intelligence. She was also a skilled poet and musician. * Eleanor was a patron of the troubadours, and she encouraged the development of courtly love. * Eleanor's marriage to Henry II was one of the most important political alliances in medieval history. * Eleanor's sons included Richard the Lionheart, John Lackland, and Geoffrey of Brittany. * Eleanor lived to the age of 82, which was a remarkable achievement for someone living in the Middle Ages.

Images

* [Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine] * [Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII] * [Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II] * [Image of Eleanor of Aquitaine's tomb]

Sources

* [Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Biography by Alison Weir] * [Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen and Legend by Ralph Turner] * [The Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Amy Kelly]

The Autumn Throne: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Middle Ages Queen of England

by Elizabeth Chadwick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1351 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

FREE