Eleanor Fair Maid of Brittany

Eleanor of Brittany, also known as the Fair Maid of Brittany, was born around 1184 as the eldest daughter of Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany, and Constance, Duchess of Brittany. Her father was the fourth son of King Henry II of England, making her the niece of English kings Richard I and John. After her father's death, she was raised by her uncle Richard I and grandmother Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her potential claim to the English throne was seen as a threat, leading to her imprisonment by King John in 1202.

Eleanor's claim to the English throne was weakened by the birth of her brother Arthur in 1196. She was engaged to Frederick, son of Leopold V, Duke of Austria, but the marriage did not occur due to Leopold's death. Eleanor's wardship was contested by King Philip II of France, but her grandfather Henry II secured it, which kept her under Angevin custody. Various marriage negotiations, including with Louis of France and Odo III, Duke of Burgundy, failed.

Eleanor spent most of her life in captivity, as her claim to the throne was not supported by the English barons who preferred a male monarch. Her imprisonment was described by some historians as an unjust act by King John. Eleanor was known for her beauty and tact, and her story inspired various fictional portrayals over the centuries.

Eleanor died on 10 August 1241 at the age of 57 or 59 and was initially buried at St James' Priory, Bristol, before being reburied at Amesbury Abbey. Her brother Arthur's succession was not realized, and her own claim to the English throne remained unfulfilled.