logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2020
49m 39s

Eleanor of Aquitaine

Bbc Radio 4
About this episode

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Gabby Storey and comedian Rachel Parris to take a look at the action-packed life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

She was the only woman ever to be queen of both England and France. She took to the seas on a crusade and packed her entire household with her. She bore ten children and defended a castle, yet most of her life was spent clearing up her offsprings' mess. So just why is this badass queen’s legacy eclipsed by that of her sons?

A Muddy Knees Media production for BBC Radio 4

Up next
Jul 10
El Cid (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined in medieval Spain by historian Professor Nora Berend and comedian Toussaint Douglass to learn about the colourful life and afterlife of the warrior known as El Cid.El Cid – real name Rodrigo Díaz – was a mercenary in eleventh-century Spain who fought for bot ... Show More
28m 16s
Jul 3
Empress Dowager Cixi (Radio Edit)
Greg Jenner is joined in 19th-century China by historian Professor Yangwen Zheng and comedian Sophie Duker to learn about the Qing dynasty ruler Empress Dowager Cixi.A contemporary of Queen Victoria, Cixi rose from low-ranked concubine to de facto ruler of China for nearly half a ... Show More
28m 7s
Jun 26
History of the Telephone (Radio Edit)
For our 150th episode, Greg Jenner is joined by historian Professor Iwan Morus and comedian Catherine Bohart to learn about the history of the telephone on its 150th anniversary.The inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, was granted the American patent for his new comm ... Show More
28m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2025
The Real Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was a queen who defied expectations, a duchess who outmanoeuvred kings, and a mother whose dynasty shaped the future of Europe. She is often remembered through myth, gossip, and legend—but the truth is far more fascinating. Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Pro ... Show More
1 h
Jan 2016
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the life, times and influence of Eleanor of Aquitaine (c1122-1204) who was one of the most powerful women in Twelfth Century Europe, possibly in the entire Middle Ages. She inherited land from the Loire down to the Pyrenees, about a third of modern ... Show More
44m 49s
Aug 2023
Eleanor Aquitaine: The Life of a Medieval Badass
You would think that a woman who was queen several times, commanded armies and was possibly the most powerful woman in medieval Europe would need no introduction…yet here we are.On today’s show we’re joined by author and new co-host of the History Hit podcast Gone Medieval, Elean ... Show More
43m 53s
Aug 2023
Eleanor of Aquitaine Imprisoned
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the most famous women in European history for good reason. After annulling her marriage from the King of France, she would marry the man who would become Henry II, King of England. But that marriage would sour, and in the end, Eleanor would turn aga ... Show More
49m 41s
Mar 2024
Series 8: Marie Antoinette
Rachel Parris, Daliso Chaponda and Catherine Bohart on the original drama queen. Was the Last Queen of France just a spoiled child with huge hair who didn't know any better? Producer: Beth O’Dea Evil Genius with Russell Kane is a BBC Audio Bristol production for BBC Radio 4 and B ... Show More
45m 5s
Apr 2017
Eleanor of Aquitaine (Part 2)
We left Eleanor right after her divorce from her first husband and mysteriously married to her second in just a few weeks time. We cover how that happened and all the other twists and turns in the very long life of this 12th century Queen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ... Show More
1h 33m
Mar 2024
The Real Joan of Arc
How did a peasant girl go on to lead French armies at the age of 17?To mark International Women's Day on March 8th, Kate's joined by Eleanor Janega, co-host of sister podcast Gone Medieval, to explore the life of the formidable Joan of Arc.How did her visions of saving France fro ... Show More
48m 25s
Aug 2023
Eleanor of Castile
<p>Eleanor of Castile&nbsp;married King Edward I of England as part of a political deal to affirm English sovereignty over&nbsp;Gascony. But the marriage was a very close one. Eleanor travelled extensively with Edward, including on the&nbsp;Ninth Crusade. When she died in Notting ... Show More
41m 7s
Apr 2024
The Royal Temptress: Isabella of Angoulême
<p>In this revisit episode we look at the second wife of King John – son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. To guide us on this journey of discovery, Rebecca is joined by historian and author Sharon Bennett Connelly.</p> <p>Sharon’s book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ladies ... Show More
47m 56s
Sep 2023
Anne of Bohemia
<p>Dr. Eleanor Janega continues <em>Gone Medieval</em>’s special series of podcasts about Medieval Queens with a look at Queen Anne of Bohemia, the first wife of England’s&nbsp;King Richard II.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Eleanor is joined by Kristen Gaiman, lecturer at the University of Tol ... Show More
38m 13s