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Queen Eleanor of Castille

c. 1161 - 31 October 1214

House: Plantagenet-Angevin

Titles: Queen consort of Castile and Toledo

Eleanor of England was born around 1161 in Domfront Castle, Normandy, as the second daughter of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her early life included a betrothal to Frederick V, Duke of Swabia, which ended with his death before marriage. In 1170, she married King Alfonso VIII of Castile, becoming Queen of Castile and Toledo.

During her queenship, Eleanor was involved in political and cultural matters, securing territories and supporting religious institutions. She arranged the marriage of her daughter Berengaria to Alfonso IX of León. Eleanor was known for her patronage of troubadours and poets, who celebrated her beauty and regal nature.

Eleanor died on 31 October 1214 in Burgos, Castile, and was buried at the Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas. Her son, Henry I, succeeded her as King of Castile.

Notable events

  • c. 1161
    Born in Domfront Castle, Normandy, as the second daughter of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
  • 1165
    Betrothal arranged to Frederick V, Duke of Swabia, which ended with his death.
  • September 1170
    Married King Alfonso VIII of Castile in Burgos.
  • 1177
    Henry II oversaw arbitration of a border dispute between Castile and Navarre.
  • 1179
    Supported the shrine to St. Thomas Becket in Toledo Cathedral.
  • 1204
    Alfonso VIII specified in his will that Eleanor was to rule alongside their son.
  • 1205
    Alfonso VIII invaded Gascony in Eleanor's name over a dowry claim.
  • 1208
    Alfonso VIII yielded on the claim to Gascony.
  • 5 October 1214
    Became regent of Castile after Alfonso VIII's death.
  • 31 October 1214
    Died in Burgos, Castile, and was buried at Abbey of Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas.

Other details

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

Reign: 44 years and 26 days

Children: Berengaria, Queen of Castile; Urraca, Queen of Portugal; Blanche, Queen of France; Eleanor, Queen of Aragon; Henry I, King of Castile

Marriages: Alfonso VIII of Castile

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

Sources

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Compiled from various 3rd hand sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_of_England,_Queen_of_Castile