A Medieval Tale: The Extraordinary Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England

The Winter Crown: A Medieval Tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England

by Elizabeth Chadwick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	498 pages

FREE

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, was one of the most powerful and influential women in medieval Europe. Born into an aristocratic family in southern France in 1122, she was married to King Louis VII of France in 1137. The marriage was annulled in 1152, and Eleanor married King Henry II of England in 1154. As Queen of England, Eleanor played an active role in politics and government. She was also a patron of the arts and learning, and she founded many monasteries and schools.

Early Life and Family

Eleanor of Aquitaine was born in 1122 in the Duchy of Aquitaine, a region in southwestern France. Her father, William X, was the Duke of Aquitaine, and her mother, Aenor de Châtellerault, was the Countess of Châtellerault. Eleanor had two older sisters, Petronilla and Alys.

Eleanor's father died when she was just six years old, and her mother remarried soon after. Eleanor's stepfather, Raymond of Poitiers, was a powerful lord who played an important role in the politics of southern France. Eleanor received a privileged education, and she was taught to read and write in Latin and French. She also studied history, music, and art.

Marriage to King Louis VII of France

In 1137, Eleanor married King Louis VII of France. The marriage was arranged by Eleanor's stepfather, and it was intended to strengthen the alliance between the Duchy of Aquitaine and the Kingdom of France. Eleanor was just fifteen years old at the time of her marriage, and Louis was twenty-one.

The marriage was not a happy one. Louis was a pious and devout king, while Eleanor was more worldly and ambitious. Eleanor also found Louis to be cold and distant, and she complained that he did not love her. In 1152, the marriage was annulled on the grounds of consanguinity (they were too closely related).

Marriage to King Henry II of England

In 1154, Eleanor married King Henry II of England. The marriage was again arranged by Eleanor's stepfather, and it was intended to strengthen the alliance between the Duchy of Aquitaine and the Kingdom of England. Eleanor was thirty-two years old at the time of her marriage, and Henry was twenty-one.

The marriage was much happier than Eleanor's first marriage. Henry was a strong and ambitious king, and Eleanor was a powerful and influential queen. Eleanor played an active role in politics and government, and she was also a patron of the arts and learning. She founded many monasteries and schools, and she encouraged the development of chivalry and courtly love.

Later Life and Death

Eleanor and Henry had eight children together, including five sons and three daughters. In 1189, Henry died and Eleanor became regent for her son, Richard the Lionheart. Eleanor continued to play an active role in politics and government until her death in 1204.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most remarkable women in medieval history. She was a powerful and influential queen, a patron of the arts and learning, and a strong advocate for women's rights. Her life was full of adventure and intrigue, and she left a lasting legacy on the world.

Legacy

Eleanor of Aquitaine is remembered as one of the most powerful and influential women in medieval history. She was a Queen of France and England, and she played an active role in politics and government. She was also a patron of the arts and learning, and she founded many monasteries and schools.

Eleanor's legacy is still felt today. She is considered to be one of the founders of modern chivalry, and her influence can be seen in the literature and art of the Middle Ages. Eleanor is also remembered as a strong advocate for women's rights. She was one of the first women to rule in her own right, and she fought for the rights of women to own property and to inherit land.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy on the world. She was a powerful queen, a patron of the arts and learning, and a strong advocate for women's rights. Her life is a testament to the power of women to make a difference in the world.

The Winter Crown: A Medieval Tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England

by Elizabeth Chadwick

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1700 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	498 pages

FREE