Queen Alienor of Castile -Part I

A major character in Myself: A Dawning is the real-life Alienor of Castile, the first wife of King Edward I of England. Not only is she a major ally of Isabeau, the novel's protagonist, but Queen Alienor is also the friend and mentor to her cousin, Isabella de Beaumont, who arrives at the English court from France a mere girl of fourteen.

Alienor's story begins at an even younger age. She was married to then Prince Edward at thirteen and gave birth to the first of her sixteen children before she reached her fourteenth birthday. Eleanor and Edward lived happily until the 1260s, when they became embroiled in the Second Barons' revolt against Edward's father.

Alienor took an active part in the conflict, holding Windsor Castle against the rebels and negotiating the support of Castile for her husband's cause. After Edward's capture at the Battle of Lewes, Alienor was confined at Westminster Palace. Edward escaped his imprisonment and led the royal forces to a decisive victory at the Battle of Evesham. Alienor supported the prince's governmental reforms over the next five years, as well as birthing five children.

In 1270, Edward departed on Crusade to the Holy Land; at his side was Queen Alienor. Enduring privations alongside her husband, including nursing Edward back to health from a near-fatal arrow wound, they eventually made their way on the long journey back to England. In Sicily, they learned Henry III was dead; Edward was now the king. They had a dual coronation ceremony on August 19th, 1274.

Alienor was now queen of England; but she was so much more. I'll write about her most intriguing accomplishments later.