Norman to Early Plantagenet Consorts

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxiii

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2. The Emergence of the Queen Consort in England, 1066–1307: Power, Influence, Dynasty

   • Danna R. Messer

   Pages 1-16

3. Identifying Queenship in Pre-Conquest England

   • Matthew Firth

   Pages 17-45

4. Mathilda of Flanders: Innovator

   • Laura L. Gathagan

   Pages 47-66

5. Matilda of Scotland: Peacemaker and Perfect Princess

   • Lois L. Huneycutt

   Pages 67-82

6. Adeliza of Louvain: Patron

   • Liam Lewis

   Pages 83-98

7. Matilda of Boulogne: Indispensable Partner

   • Heather J. Tanner

   Pages 99-118

8. Eleanor of Aquitaine: The Art of Governing

   • Martin Aurell

   Pages 119-137

9. Margaret of France: Conciliator Queen of England and Hungary

   • Márta Pellérdi

   Pages 139-157

10. Berengaria of Navarre: Overshadowed Consort

    • Gabrielle Storey

    Pages 159-178

11. Isabella of Gloucester: Heiress, Lord, Forgotten Consort

    • Sally Spong

    Pages 179-195

12. Isabella of Angoulême: The Vanished Queen?

    • Sally Spong

    Pages 197-215

13. Eleanor of Provence: Caring Consort and Controversial Queen

    • Louise J. Wilkinson

    Pages 217-236

14. Eleanor of Castile: A Consort of Contradictions

    • Abigail S. Armstrong

    Pages 237-255

15. Margaret of France: Enigmatic Consort

    • Paul Dryburgh

    Pages 257-277

16. Epilogue: Shifting Sands and Changing Lands

    • Danna R. Messer, Katherine Weikert

    Pages 279-297

17. Back Matter

    Pages 299-316

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This book examines the emergence of the queen consort in medieval England, beginning with the pre-Conquest era and ending with death of Margaret of France, second wife of Edward I, in 1307. Though many of the figures in this volumes are well known, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and Eleanor of Castille, the chapters here are unique in the equal consideration given to the tenures of the lesser known consorts, including: Adeliza of Louvain, second wife of Henry I; Margaret of France, wife of Henry the Young King; and even Isabella of Gloucester, the first wife of King John. These innovative and thematic biographies highlight the evolution of the office of the queen and the visible roles that consorts played, which were integral to the creation of the identity of early English monarchy. This volume and its companions reveal the changing nature of English consortship from the Norman Conquest to today.

• History of Monarchy
• Royal studies
• Consorts as Regents
• Medieval Queens
• Matilda of Flanders
• Adeliza of Louvain
• Matilda of Boulogne
• Eleanor of Aquitane
• Margaret of France
• Berengaria of Navarre
• Isabella of Gloucester
• Isabella of Angouleme
• Eleanor of Provence
• Eleanor of Castile
• Isabella of France
• Philippa of Hainault

"This book is a treasure trove for medievalists working on women’s history and the Anglo-Norman realm. It does a tremendous job in foregrounding the multiple ways royal consorts ruled (or did not rule) next to, and in collaboration with, their spouses. Each consort is brought to life through subtle discussions of themes such upbringing, resources and their administration, intercession, and different kinds of patronage. Astutely written, the authors’ different perspectives and their critical assessment of the primary sources showcase how consortship and queenship can be fruitfully studied".—Jitske Jasperse, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany


"This collection of short analytical biographies of medieval English queens from Matilda of Flanders to Margaret of France—and prefaced with an important overview of pre-Norman queens—is a treasure-trove of information on these significantly under-valued and under-studied subjects. As we continue to reassessthe role and position of women in all walks of medieval life, we should also demand that queens be included in studies of politics, culture, and society in medieval realms, not just as mothers of kings but as actors in their own right. This volume, and the series in which it is included, goes far in showing us the ways in which these historical figures should be rightfully inserted into the records of the reigns of their husbands and sons."
—Linda E. Mitchell, University of Missouri—Kansas City, USA

• University Campus North Lincolnshire, England, UK

  Aidan Norrie

• University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

  Carolyn Harris

• University of Reading, Reading, UK

  J.L. Laynesmith

• York, UK

  Danna R. Messer

• University of Winchester, Winchester, UK

  Elena Woodacre

Aidan Norrie is Lecturer in History and Programme Leader at the University Campus North Lincolnshire, UK, and the Managing Editor of The London Journal.



Carolyn Harris is Instructor in History at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies, Canada, and a regular royal commentator in Canadian media.



J.L. Laynesmith is Visiting Research Fellow in Medieval Studies at the University of Reading, UK.



Danna R. Messer is Senior Acquisitions Editor at Arc Humanities Press, and the Executive Editor of The Encyclopedia of the Global Middle Ages.



Elena Woodacre is Reader in Renaissance History at the University of Winchester, UK, Editor-in-Chief of the Royal Studies Journal, and the founder of the Royal Studies Network.

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