Eleanor of England

c. 1161 – 31 October 1214

House: Plantagenet, Angevin

Titles: Queen consort of Castile and Toledo, Regent of Castile

Eleanor of England, born around 1161, became Queen of Castile and Toledo through her marriage to Alfonso VIII of Castile. As the sixth child and second daughter of Henry II, King of England, and Eleanor of Aquitaine, she had significant political influence, serving as Regent of Castile for 26 days after her husband’s death until her own demise in 1214.

Eleanor was a key figure in the political landscape of her time, with control over many lands, towns, and castles. Her patronage of troubadours and religious institutions, such as the shrine to St. Thomas Becket and the Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas, left a lasting impact on Castilian culture and the royal family’s legacy.

Notable events

c. 1161
Born at Domfront Castle, Normandy, to Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
1170
Married King Alfonso VIII of Castile at the age of 9 to secure political alliances.
1177
Involved in the arbitration of the border dispute with Navarre overseen by her father Henry II.
1200
Alfonso VIII claimed the duchy of Gascony as part of Eleanor's dowry, leading to conflicts.
1205
Alfonso VIII invaded Gascony in Eleanor's name, asserting her dowry rights.
1206
Eleanor's brother John granted her safe passage, possibly for peace negotiations regarding Gascony.
1208
Alfonso VIII relinquished the claim to Gascony.
1214
Eleanor became regent of Castile following Alfonso's death.
31 October 1214
Eleanor died shortly after assuming the regency of Castile.
After 1214
Eleanor's patronage and influence were recognized posthumously by poets and her descendants.

Other details

Death: Died at the age of 53 in Burgos, Castile, and was buried at the Abbey of Santa Maria la Real de Huelgas.

Reign: 44 years and 26 days

Children: Berengaria I, Urraca, Blanche, Eleanor, Henry I

Marriages: Alfonso VIII, King of Castile (m. 1170; died 1214)

Parents: Henry II, King of England and Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/