Who's Who in Medieval History
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Eleanor was also known as:
Eleanor was noted for:
Occupations:
Places of Residence and Influence:
Important Dates:
About Eleanor of Aquitaine:
As the daughter of William X, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitiers, Eleanor inherited a domain larger than that of the king. At age 15 she married the future Louis VII of France, still a teen himself, and a month later the adolescent couple became King and Queen upon the death of King Louis VI.
The Plantaganets had a stormy relationship that resulted in eight children, two of whom (Richard and John) would later become kings of England. Eleanor was an active participant in the affairs of state in both England and France and was particularly involved in administrating Aquitaine and Poitiers. During a period of estrangement from her husband, she spent some time turning Poitiers into a center of culture, and had a hand in influencing the literary movement of Courtly Love.
In 1173, Eleanor supported her sons Henry and Richard in a revolt against their father, which failed; she was captured seeking protection from her ex-husband and imprisoned until King Henry's death in 1189. When Richard took the crown, Eleanor played a significant role in keeping England intact while the king spent years Crusading. During John's reign she had considerable success guarding his interests on the continent.
Queen Eleanor died in the monastery at Fontevrault, Anjou, in April of 1204. She was 82 years old.
More Eleanor of Aquitaine Resources
Portrait of EleanorLove Blossoms: The Origins of Courtly Love
Eleanor in Print
Eleanor on the Web
Your Guide's Review of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Power of a Woman by Robert Fripp
Profile of Eleanor at About Women's History
Eleanor of Aquitaine on Film
The link below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at merchants across the web. More in-depth info about the film may be found by clicking on to the film's page at one of the online merchants
- The Lion in Winter
Henry II (Peter O'Toole) must choose which of his three surviving sons will succeed him, and a vicious verbal battle ensues between himself and his strong-willed queen. Katharine Hepburn won a well-deserved Oscar® for her portrayal of Eleanor.
Medieval Britain
Medieval France
Women and Gender Issues
Who's Who Directories:
