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It was a conflict that claimed the life of her eldest son and it didn't stop until 1189 when, at the age of 56, in his fortress of Chinon, Henry II died. His body was taken to Fontevraud Abbey, ten miles westward along the Loire River. His heir was his second son, Richard, Eleanor's favourite child, who would one day be known as the Lion Heart. It was dusk when Richard stepped into the church to look for the last time at his dead father's face. Then he sent word to England that his mother was now a free woman. Eleanor was 65 years old, and, after 15 years in captivity, her moment had come. And this time, she wasn't just given the Duchy of Aquitaine to rule but the kingdom of England. Richard sent word that his mother should have the power of doing whatever she wished in the kingdom. |
