2-652-788 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of Henry II of England. Eleanor (1122-1204) was one of the most powerful figures in 12th century Europe. She married Louis VII of France and accompanied him on the Second Crusade. After Louis became jealous of her and had the marriage annulled, Eleanor married the future Henry II of England in 1152. She bore Henry five sons, two of whom, Richard I and King John, went on to rule England. Henry believed Eleanor to have been involved in her sons' rebellion against him in 1173 and had her confined until his death in 1189. She was actively involved in governing the kingdom in Richard I's absence in the Holy Land on the Third Crusade and secured his release from Austria by ransom. She remained politically active during John's reign before retiring to end her days at Fontevrault Abbey.