Blanche of Castille

Blanche of Castile was born on 4 March 1188 in Palencia, Spain, as the third daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castile and Eleanor of England. Her early life included visits to the Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas, founded by her parents. In 1200, she was brought to France by her grandmother Eleanor of Aquitaine, who deemed her more suitable than her sister Urraca to marry Louis, the son of Philip Augustus.

Blanche married Louis VIII on 23 May 1200, at the age of twelve. Her marriage was part of the Treaty of Le Goulet between Philip Augustus and John of England. During the English barons' rebellion against King John, Blanche's English ancestry was a factor in Louis being offered the English throne, though this claim was unsuccessful.

Upon the death of her husband Louis VIII in 1226, Blanche became regent for her son Louis IX, who was only twelve years old. She faced opposition from rebellious nobles but managed to secure her son's position by organizing military campaigns and forming strategic alliances. Her regency involved efforts to maintain the stability of the Capetian domains.

Blanche was involved in the Treaty of Paris in 1229, which ended the Albigensian Crusade and secured the marriage of her son Alphonse to Joan, the daughter of Raymond VII of Toulouse. She also thwarted attempts by Henry III of England to gain French territories through marriage alliances. Her political acumen helped to maintain the strength of the French crown during her son's minority.

In 1248, Blanche became regent again when Louis IX left for the Seventh Crusade. She managed to maintain peace in France and support her son's endeavors abroad. Blanche was a patron of the arts and education, overseeing the education of her children and commissioning works such as Le Miroir de l'Ame.

Blanche's involvement in religious matters is seen in her participation in the disputation concerning the Talmud in 1239. She ensured the protection of Rabbi Yechiel of Paris and his goods, despite the prevailing antisemitism of the time. Her son, Louis IX, remained under her influence throughout her life, acknowledging her role in securing his realm.

Blanche of Castile died on 27 November 1252 in Paris after falling ill at Melun. She was buried at Maubuisson Abbey, which she had founded. Her son Louis IX succeeded her as the ruler of France.