Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages. Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, she would later go on to become queen consort of France and queen of England. She was the eldest daughter of William, 10th Duke of Aquitaine, her exact date of birth is unknown but she was raised in one of Europe's cultured courts and given an excellent education. When her father and only brother died in 1137, she was left with a vast inheritance.
At just 15 years old she became the most eligible heiress in Europe. That same year she married Louis, the heir to the throne of France, shortly afterwards he became Louis VII. The couple had two daughters. In 1147 Eleanor accompanied her husband on the 2nd Crusade, travelling to Constantinople and Jerusalem. The crusade failed and relations between Eleanor and Louis soured even more. Eleanor's inability to produce a male heir put even more strain on the marriage and they divorced in 1152.
Just two months later Eleanor married Henry of Anjou, who became king of England two years later in 1154. Eleanor and Henry had five sons and three daughters. For nearly two decades Eleanor played a crucial part in running Henry's kingdom and travelled regularly between their territories in England and France.
In 1173 Eleanor was caught up in a plot against Henry by two of her sons and as a result she was imprisoned by Henry. When Henry died in 1189, his eldest son Richard I ordered his mother's release from prison. Now in her mid sixties (which was considered elderly in the 12th century) Eleanor became very involved in government. In 1190 she acted as regent when Richard went to join the 3rd Crusade, she even played a part in negotiations for his release when he was arrested in Germany on his way back to England. In 1199 Richard died and was succeeded by Eleanor and Henry's youngest son, John. Her role shifted from the English court to the one in Aquitaine, where spent the rest of her days. She died March 31, 1204 and was buried in the abbey church at Fontevrault, next to Henry II
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/eleanor_of_aquitaine.shtml
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Female Warriors
Non-FictionFrom Naotara li and Mulan to Eleanor of Aquitaine and Boudicca. Strong women throughout history who fought for the countries, families and beliefs; that made a stand against those who threatened to destroy them. They took charge when no else would.
