The effigy of Eleanor of Aquitaine and King Henry II at Fontevraud Abbey.
Eleanor of Aquitaine (c. 1122–1204) was one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages. As Duchess of Aquitaine, she inherited vast lands after her father, William X, died in 1137. That same year, she married Louis VII of France, becoming Queen of France. Their union was troubled, especially after Eleanor accompanied Louis on the Second Crusade (1147–1149), where she reportedly clashed with him. Their marriage was annulled in 1152.
Shortly after, Eleanor married Henry II of England, future king, bringing Aquitaine under English control. As Queen of England (1154–1189), she ruled alongside Henry, influencing governance and court culture. However, tensions arose, and after supporting her sons' rebellion against Henry in 1173, she was imprisoned for 16 years.
After Henry’s death in 1189, Eleanor was released by her son, Richard the Lionheart, and helped secure his reign. When Richard was captured on his way back from the Third Crusade, she played a crucial role in raising his ransom. In her final years, she retired to Fontevraud Abbey, where she was buried alongside Henry II and Richard.
