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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

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