In Our Time: History – Eleanor of Aquitaine
BBC Radio 4 | January 28, 2016
Host: Melvyn Bragg
Guests: Lindy Grant (University of Reading), Nicholas Vincent (University of East Anglia), Julie Barrow (University of Cambridge)
Overview
This episode explores the remarkable life and legacy of Eleanor of Aquitaine, often regarded as the most powerful woman of the Middle Ages. The discussion traces her journey from heiress of vast lands in southern France, through her marriages to two kings—Louis VII of France and Henry II of England—to her role as a political actor, prisoner, regent, and dynasty founder. The podcast delves into the political complexities of 12th-century Europe, debates the myths and legends around Eleanor, and assesses her long-lasting impact on European history and monarchy.
Power Structures in Eleanor’s Early Life
[02:24–04:51]
- Fragmented France: Nicholas Vincent explains that France was split into semi-independent feudal principalities, with the king holding nominal power over ambitious and often-warring dukes and counts.
- “We are in a sort of game of thrones situation with these... dukes and counts and so forth, rising and falling and in constant competition.” – Nicholas Vincent [03:12]
- Eleanor’s Family and Lands: Her family controlled a vast, wealthy region—the Duchy of Aquitaine, encompassing Gascony, Poitou, and others—yet their control was itself fractured, with numerous sub-lords.
- “They have an enormous trade there from wine... they are immensely wealthy, but... their control over that region is itself fractured.” – Nicholas Vincent [03:39]
- Cultural Distinction: The region was linguistically and culturally distinct, with Occitan spoken further south, setting it apart from northern France.
- Early Life Records: Virtually no information survives about Eleanor's early life, including her appearance or character, due to minimal chronicling of daughters at that time.
- “The birth of daughters is not something that the chroniclers take notice of...” – Nicholas Vincent [05:03]
Marriage to Louis VII of France
[06:13–10:36]
- Becoming Queen at 13–15: Eleanor married Louis VII, the heir to the French throne, after her father’s unexpected death. The marriage was a political maneuver to protect her inheritance.
- “It was always a gamble, it was always more likely to be challenged. And then there was the huge question of who that girl, woman would marry.” – Julie Barrow [07:09]
- Power Transfer: Upon marriage, Louis assumed control of Aquitaine's territories and wealth, with Eleanor holding little true power during their union—her status would have improved had she produced a male heir.
- Diplomatic Significance: Their marriage marked a rare, symbolic journey of the French king to Bordeaux, highlighting Aquitaine’s importance.
The Second Crusade and Marital Breakdown
[10:36–16:09]
- Crusade Participation: Eleanor accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade (c.1147–49), a rare move for a queen. Other noblewomen also participated, viewing it partly as a pilgrimage.
- Antioch Incident: In Antioch, where her uncle Raymond ruled, rumors spread about Eleanor’s closeness to him. Some chroniclers hinted at scandal, but modern historians see more likely political strategy rather than romance.
- “John of Salisbury says that Louis loved Eleanor in a very childish way, that he was passionately in love with her, and he became extremely jealous...” – Lindy Grant [13:27]
- Crusade Failures: Disagreements over strategy with Louis and rumors surrounding Eleanor led to a deterioration of the marriage.
- Rumors and Legends: Later stories spun elaborate rumors of affairs and Amazon-like martial exploits, which panelists agree have no factual basis.
- “This is the fortean times of its day. This is nonsense... projecting onto this woman all sorts of ideas of the evils of womankind.” – Nicholas Vincent [15:04]
- Annulment: Their marriage was annulled on consanguinity (close kinship) grounds—a common legal convenience among aristocrats.
- “All aristocratic marriages at this time were in theory a nullable...” – Nicholas Vincent [16:09]
Eleanor’s Second Marriage: Queen of England
[16:28–19:34]
- Swift Remarriage: Eleanor quickly married Henry Plantagenet (soon Henry II of England). The match stunned the French crown and shifted geopolitical balance—the “jackpot” for Henry due to Eleanor’s lands and claim.
- Enduring Myths: More stories swirled about Eleanor’s morality, spun by later generations for dynastic or gendered reasons, especially when political opposition flared against the Plantagenets.
Courtly Love Myth & Eleanor’s Influence
[19:34–23:58]
- Courtly Love Legend: The panel debunks the notion that Eleanor “created” the culture of courtly love. This idea is rooted in later, likely satirical writings, not contemporary evidence.
- “This book is probably a piece of satire... and certainly it didn't reflect any sort of reality going on at Poitiers...” – Lindy Grant [21:50]
- Patronage and Power: Unlike other royals, Eleanor did not found many monasteries; her wealth’s uses are somewhat mysterious but likely supported a lavish court and extensive religious life.
- “She was allowed only a very limited control... She gave away rents. She probably did a lot of shopping, Lindy. And... this was an extremely pious household.” – Nicholas Vincent [23:19]
The Revolt against Henry II
[23:58–30:40]
- Supporting Her Sons’ Revolt (1173): Eleanor backed her sons in their rebellion against Henry II, perhaps as her only path to influence amidst rigid patriarchal controls.
- “The manipulation of her sons against her husband was really the only way that she could exercise political authority.” – Nicholas Vincent [25:13]
- Rebellion’s Course: The revolt saw real warfare, but ultimately Henry II prevailed; Eleanor was captured early in the conflict and spent about 15 years under comfortable but strict house arrest.
- “She was out of public life absolutely completely until the mid-80s...” – Julie Barrow [31:15]
- Portrayals of Transgression: Rumors—like Eleanor dressing as a man when captured—symbolized fears about women disrupting “natural” social order.
Rule in Widowhood: Power as Queen Mother
[31:37–36:48]
- Release and Regency: Upon Henry II’s death in 1189, Eleanor emerged as the central political figure. She managed the “Angevin Empire” during Richard I’s absence on Crusade and his later captivity, overseeing administration, raising his ransom, and orchestrating dynastic marriages.
- “Like a cork out of a bottle... she is determined from that point onwards that she is going to run the show. And she does.” – Nicholas Vincent [31:47]
- Diplomatic Missions: Eleanor made major diplomatic journeys, including to Spain to secure royal brides and ensure alliances.
- “…she brings Berengaria from Navarre and takes her on crusade to meet up with Richard in Cyprus…” – Lindy Grant [33:32]
- Political Skill: She played a crucial role in cementing the Plantagenet dynasty, especially securing support for King John, her youngest son, after Richard’s death.
Eleanor’s Legacy and Dynastic Impact
[36:48–42:40]
- Holding the Empire Together: Eleanor is credited with maintaining the Plantagenet domains; her death quickly heralded their collapse and paved the way for the Hundred Years’ War.
- “…it is probably no coincidence that the whole thing collapses more or less at the time of her death, that somehow or another she is the survivor who’s held this whole thing together.” – Nicholas Vincent [37:46]
- Magnetic Reputation: In her elder years, chroniclers grudgingly admitted her political force, lessening their focus on earlier moral sniping.
- “You get some chroniclers who are sort of reluctantly admitting that she is a force of nature.” – Julie Barrow [39:02]
- Religious Patronage: Fontevraud Abbey was a major focus of Eleanor’s patronage and became the dynasty’s burial site.
- “She built a wall around it... commissioned the tombs for the two kings.” – Lindy Grant [41:48]
- Influence on Female Rule: While her progeny included powerful queens (notably Blanche of Castile), Eleanor’s unique combination of authority and influence was unmatched for centuries:
- “Thereafter, the kings of England did not want another one like that... thereafter there is no real queen that matches her in terms of political influence.” – Nicholas Vincent [41:58]
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On the legendary nature of Eleanor’s supposed exploits:
“This is the fortean times of its day. This is nonsense...” – Nicholas Vincent [15:04] -
On the changing attitude toward Eleanor:
“You get some chroniclers who are sort of reluctantly admitting that she is a force of nature... while she’s doing it, have to recognize that she’s extraordinary. But as soon as she’s dead, all the mythologizing carries on and returns.” – Julie Barrow [39:02] -
On the collapse after Eleanor's death:
“It is probably no coincidence that the whole thing collapses more or less at the time of her death, that somehow or another she is the survivor who's held this whole thing together.” – Nicholas Vincent [37:46]
Additional Insights (Bonus Material)
[43:10–45:47]
- Family Connections & Scandals: Stories like Eleanor’s sister Petronilla’s elopement leading to war, and the complex web of family ties that shaped politics but are underexplored by historians.
- “There are lots of members of this family, there are all sorts of cousins and so on of Eleanor who play a big part in all of this, and they are generally written out of the story.” – Nicholas Vincent [44:10]
- Daughters’ Fates: Eleanor’s daughters with Louis VII had notable careers, including one serving as regent and crusader.
- Courtly Love Revisited: Marie of Champagne (Eleanor’s daughter) was a patron of romantic literature and may be loosely connected to Eleanor’s legendary court, though direct evidence is scant.
- Eleanor as the 'Queen Victoria' of her Age: Her descendants intermarried across European royalty, making her a matriarchal link for generations.
Key Timestamps
- 02:24 – The political landscape of France and Eleanor’s family lands
- 06:13 – Eleanor’s marriage to Louis VII and transition to Queen of France
- 10:36 – Eleanor’s role in the Second Crusade and marital disputes
- 16:28 – Annulment, myths, and marriage to Henry Plantagenet
- 19:34 – Black legends, courtly love, and Eleanor’s image
- 23:58 – Aquitaine, exercise of power, and fabled court
- 23:58 – The great rebellion against Henry II
- 31:37 – Eleanor’s release, regency, and rise as dynasty architect
- 36:48 – Eleanor’s support for John and dynastic stability
- 39:02 – Reputation in her later years; chroniclers’ grudging respect
- 41:48 – Fontevraud Abbey as dynastic mausoleum
- 43:10 – Bonus: family connections and untold stories
Conclusion
In this rich discussion, Eleanor of Aquitaine emerges as a pivotal figure whose life bridged cultures, dynasties, and centuries. The panel distinguishes historical facts from the abundant myths, showing Eleanor’s true legacy: her deft navigation of power in a male-dominated world, her foundational role in the rise and spread of the Plantagenet dynasty, and her lasting impact on European history. Her life story reflects both the possibilities and perils faced by powerful women in the Middle Ages, and her influence—spanning centuries—remains unmistakable.