Member-only story

Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Extraordinary Life of a Medieval Queen

Chance Foster

·12.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Eleanor Of Aquitaine: A Biography

4 min read · 1 week before

882 View Claps

51 Respond

Save

Listen

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Biography

by Marion Meade

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5046 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	418 pages

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a powerful and influential figure in the Middle Ages. She was Queen of France and England, and her life was filled with adventure, intrigue, and romance. This biography tells the story of Eleanor's life, from her early years as a young duchess to her later years as a powerful queen.

Early Life

Eleanor was born in 1122 to William X, Duke of Aquitaine, and Aenor de Châtellerault. She was the eldest of four children, and her father died when she was only 10 years old. Eleanor's mother then remarried to Raymond of Poitiers, who became her stepfather.

Eleanor received a good education, and she was known for her intelligence and beauty. She was also a skilled poet and musician. In 1137, at the age of 15, Eleanor married Louis VII, King of France.

Queen of France

Eleanor was crowned Queen of France in 1137. She and Louis had two daughters, Marie and Alix. However, the marriage was not a happy one. Louis was a pious and serious man, while Eleanor was more lively and independent.

In 1147, Eleanor and Louis went on the Second Crusade. The expedition was a disaster, and Louis was captured by the Turks. Eleanor negotiated his release, and she also led the French army back to Jerusalem.

After returning to France, Eleanor and Louis' marriage continued to deteriorate. In 1152, they were divorced. Eleanor was then free to marry again, and in 1154 she married Henry II, Duke of Normandy.

Queen of England

Eleanor and Henry were married in 1154, and they had eight children together. Eleanor was crowned Queen of England in 1154. She and Henry had a long and happy marriage, and they worked together to rule England.

Eleanor was a powerful and influential figure in the English court. She was involved in politics and government, and she also played a role in the Crusades. Eleanor and Henry founded the Angevin Empire, which included England, Normandy, Aquitaine, and other territories.

Later Life

Eleanor and Henry's marriage ended in tragedy in 1189, when Henry died. Eleanor was devastated by his death, and she retired from public life. She spent her later years at Fontevraud Abbey, where she died in 1204.

Eleanor of Aquitaine was a remarkable woman. She was a powerful queen, a skilled politician, and a patron of the arts. She was also a loving wife and mother. Eleanor's story is a fascinating one, and it is still told today.

If you are interested in learning more about Eleanor of Aquitaine, I recommend reading the following books: