|
Eleanor's childhood was spent in Poitiers, one of the great cities of her father's Duchy of Aquitaine. In her day it had a reputation as a place of poetry, romance and wit. It was a flamboyant and sophisticated court for a girl to grow up in. This exquisite church, with its elaborate carvings and richly painted walls, gives us a rare glimpse into the sumptuousness of Eleanor's early life but at the age of 13 she was abruptly taken away from all this. The beginning of Eleanor's life was entirely conventional for an aristocratic heiress. Just like Matilda before her, she was an asset to be traded in marriage. But Eleanor made a particularly powerful match. Her new husband was heir to the French throne and within days of the wedding the old King died. Now, at the age of only 13, Eleanor was Queen of France, wife of King Louis VII. |
