Eleanor of Provence

Timeline

1. 1223–1236Aix · ProvenceBorn into a Provençal noble family, daughter of Ramon Berenguer IV and Beatrice, she was steeped in southern French court culture from childhood and was known for her intelligence and refinement.
2. 1236–1258Westminster · LondonShe married Henry III in 1236, introducing Provençal poetry and court etiquette and arranging for relatives to take up posts at court. She was active in diplomacy and the distribution of patronage, and her influence aroused suspicion among some English nobles.
3. 1258–1272London · LondonDuring the baronial reform movement and civil war she took refuge in France and also attempted to mediate between Henry and Simon de Montfort. After the defeat at Lewes in 1264 she supported the restoration of royal authority, and after Henry's death in 1272 she continued to influence the court as queen mother.
4. 1276–1291Amesbury · WiltshireAround 1276 she entered Amesbury Abbey, retaining the title of queen mother and patronizing religious and family affairs; she died in the abbey in 1291.