Blanche de Castille, reine consort de France

Blanca de Castilla

De Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanca_de_Castilla

Blanca de Castilla, también conocida como Blanca de Borgoña (Palencia, 4 de marzo de 1188 – Melun, 1252), fue infanta de Castilla y reina consorte de Francia. Novena de los doce hijos de Alfonso VIII el Noble o el de Las Navas y Leonor de Plantagenet, era por lo tanto nieta de Enrique II Plantagenet, rey de Inglaterra, y de Leonor de Aquitania, sobrina por esta rama de Ricardo I, Corazón de León, y de Juan sin Tierra, ambos reyes de Inglaterra, y tía de Fernando III el Santo.

Felipe II Augusto de Francia y Juan I de Inglaterra acordaron que el heredero al trono de Francia, el futuro Luis VIII, se casara con una infanta de Castilla. Fue la mismísima y anciana Leonor de Aquitania quien en 1200 se desplazó a Castilla, donde reinaba su hija Leonor, para conocer a sus nietas y decidir cuál sería la futura «reina de la Flor de Lis». En un inicio, la intención era llevar como prometida del príncipe Luis a la entonces hija mayor soltera de los reyes de Castilla, Urraca, pero al final Leonor escoge a su segunda nieta Blanca, ya que a su parecer ella encajaría mejor en la corte de Francia. Con apenas 12 años la infanta se despide de sus padres y hermanos, saliendo con su abuela hacia Francia.

Al morir Felipe, el 14 de julio de 1223, ocupó el trono el marido de Blanca con el nombre de Luis VIII. A los tres años, Luis murió de disentería a la vuelta de una campaña militar por la que pretendía recuperar el Mediodía para Francia.

Blanca fue una eficaz consejera de su marido. Madre de nueve hijos, el segundo de ellos, Luis, futuro Luis IX, San Luis IX, fue proclamado rey a la muerte de su padre, contando solamente 12 años de edad, en 1226. Blanca fue nombrada regente, enfrentándose a los problemas acuciantes de su tiempo, como las pugnas con Inglaterra, el conflicto con los cátaros y las presiones de la nobleza.

Una vez que su hijo mostró capacidad para llevar los asuntos del Estado, se retiró a la abadía de Maubuisson, donde murió en 1252.

De su matrimonio tuvo, como dijimos, nueve hijos:

1) Felipe (1209 – 1218), príncipe heredero

2) Luis (San Luis) (1214 – 1270), rey

3) Roberto (1216 – 1250), conde de Artois

4) Juan (1219 – 1232)

5) Alfonso (1220 – 1271), conde de Poitiers y de Toulouse.

6) Felipe Dagoberto (1222 – 1232)

7) Isabel (1225 – 1269)

8) Etienne (nacida y muerta en 1226)

9) Carlos (póstumo) (1227 – 1285), conde de Anjou y Maine y Rey de Sicilia y de Nápoles.

Blanche of Castile, Queen consort of France.

Father Alfonso VIII of Castile

Mother Eleanor of England

Born March 4, 1188(1188-03-04)

Palencia, Castile

Died November 26, 1252 (aged 64)

Paris, France

Blanche of Castile, Blanca de Castilla in Spanish, (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Blanche of Castile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blanche of Castile (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. In 1248 she again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Literature

Besides the works of Joinville and William of Nangis, see Élie Berger, "Histoire de Blanche de Castille, reine de France," in Bibliothèque des écoles francaises d’Athènes et de Rome, vol. lxx. (Paris, 1895); Le Nain de Tillemont, "Vie de Saint Louis," ed. by J. de Gaulle for the Société de l'histoire de France (6 vols., 1847-1851); and Paulin Paris, "Nouvelles recherches sur les mœurs de la reine Blanche et de Thibaud," in Cabinet historique (1858).

References

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

Blanche of Castile was born in 1188 in Palencia, Spain and died in 1252 .

Blanche married King Louis VIII "Le Lion" of France. King Louis was born in 1187. He was the son of King Philip II of France. He died in 1226 .

Blanche - When Louis died he made Blanche Regent and guardian of their children. Louis Ix was then 12 and Blanche ruled France alone from 1226 to 1234; dealing successfully both with a coalition of the powerful barons in 1226 - sh e rode into battle, dressed in white on a white horse, at the head of her troops - and with the attacks of Henry III in 1230; she was less successful with the student disturbances in Paris, which caused the university to leave the city from 1229 to 1233. She made clever alliances and expanded her territory, gaining Blois, Chartres and Sancerre by agreement with her ally Thibaut of Champagne, and Toulouse and Provence through skilful marriage treaties. A fo rceful character, she retained a powerful influence over Louis IX ('Saint Louis') after he came to the throne in 1236, with regard to both state affairs and religion. Her second regency lasted from 1248, when Louis set out (agains t her will) on a crusade, until her death four years later. With her third son, Alphonse, she maintained peace at home, despite the depletion of the country necessary to support the extravagant crusade, and negotiated personally f or Louis' release after the battle of El Mansurah.

Blanche of Castile was born in 1188 in Palencia, Spain and died in 1252 .

Blanche married King Louis VIII "Le Lion" of France. King Louis was born in 1187. He was the son of King Philip II of France. He died in 1226 .

Blanche - When Louis died he made Blanche Regent and guardian of their children. Louis Ix was then 12 and Blanche ruled France alone from 1226 to 1234; dealing successfully both with a coalition of the powerful barons in 1226 - she rode into battle, dressed in white on a white horse, at the head of her troops - and with the attacks of Henry III in 1230; she was less successful with the student disturbances in Paris, which caused the university to leave the city from 1229 to 1233. She made clever alliances and expanded her territory, gaining Blois, Chartres and Sancerre by agreement with her ally Thibaut of Champagne, and Toulouse and Provence through skilful marriage treaties. A forceful character, she retained a powerful influence over Louis IX ('Saint Louis') after he came to the throne in 1236, with regard to both state affairs and religion. Her second regency lasted from 1248, when Louis set out (against her will) on a crusade, until her death four years later. With her third son, Alphonse, she maintained peace at home, despite the depletion of the country necessary to support the extravagant crusade, and negotiated personally for Louis' release after the battle of El Mansurah.

Blanche of Castile (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born at Palencia, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche´s sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche´s personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age (1234) her influence upon him may still be traced. In 1248 she again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanche_of_Castile

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Biography

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On 22 May 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old.

The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers.

There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Count Theobald IV of Champagne, a.k.a. KingTheobald I of Navarre since 1234, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura , cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality.

After he came of age, in 1234, aged 20, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became Queen regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Blanche of Castile (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Blanche of Castile

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Blanche of Castile (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

[edit]Literature

Besides the works of Joinville and William of Nangis, see Élie Berger, "Histoire de Blanche de Castille, reine de France," in Bibliothèque des écoles francaises d’Athènes et de Rome, vol. lxx. (Paris, 1895); Le Nain de Tillemont, "Vie de Saint Louis," ed. by J. de Gaulle for the Société de l'histoire de France (6 vols., 1847-1851); and Paulin Paris, "Nouvelles recherches sur les mœurs de la reine Blanche et de Thibaud," in Cabinet historique (1858).

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Biography

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On 22 May 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old.

The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers.

There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Count Theobald IV of Champagne, a.k.a. KingTheobald I of Navarre since 1234, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura , cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality.

After he came of age, in 1234, aged 20, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became Queen regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson. Wikipedia

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Contents [hide]

1 Biography

2 Issue

3 Literature

4 References

[edit] Biography

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

[edit] Issue

Blanche (1205–1206).

Agnes (b. and d. 1207).

Philippe (9 September 1209 – July 1218), married (or only betrothed) in 1217 to Agnes of Donzy.

Alphonse (b. and d. Lorrez-le-Bocage, 23 January 1213).

John (b. and d. Lorrez-le-Bocage, 23 January 1213), twin of Alphonse.

Louis IX (Poissy, 25 April 1214 – 25 August 1270, Tunis), King of France as successor to his father.

Robert (25 September 1216 – 9 February 1250, killed in battle, Manssurah, Egypt)

Philippe (2 January 1218–1220).

John Tristan (21 July 1219–1232), Count of Anjou and Maine.

Alphonse (Poissy, 11 November 1220 – 21 August 1271, Corneto), Count of Poitou and Auvergne, and by marriage, of Toulouse.

Philippe Dagobert (20 February 1222–1232).

Isabel (14 April 1225 – 23 February 1269).

Charles Etienne (21 March 1226 – 7 January 1285), Count of Anjou and Maine, by marriage Count of Provence and Folcalquier, and King of Sicily.

[edit] Literature

Besides the works of Joinville and William of Nangis, see Élie Berger, "Histoire de Blanche de Castille, reine de France," in Bibliothèque des écoles francaises d’Athènes et de Rome, vol. lxx. (Paris, 1895); Le Nain de Tillemont, "Vie de Saint Louis," ed. by J. de Gaulle for the Société de l'histoire de France (6 vols., 1847-1851); and Paulin Paris, "Nouvelles recherches sur les mœurs de la reine Blanche et de Thibaud," in Cabinet historique (1858).

[edit] References

This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.

French royalty

Preceded by

Ingeborg of Denmark Queen consort of France

1223 – 1226 Succeeded by

Marguerite of Provence

[hide]v • d • eChronology of French Queens and Empresses

Medieval France (987–1328)

House of Capet Adelaide of Aquitaine (987–996) • Rozala of Italy (996) • Bertha of Burgundy (996-1000) • Constance of Arles (1003-1031) • Matilda of Frisia (1034–1044) • Anne of Kiev (1051–1060) • Bertha of Holland (1071–1092) • Bertrade de Montfort (1092–1108) • Adélaide de Maurienne (1115–1137) • Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine (1137–1152) • Constance of Castile (1154–1160) • Adèle of Champagne (1164–1180) • Isabelle of Hainaut (1180–1190) • Ingeborg of Denmark (1193-1193) • Agnes of Merania (1196–1200) • Ingeborg of Denmark (1200–1223) • Blanche of Castile (1223 – 1226) • Marguerite of Provence (1234-1270) • Isabella of Aragon (1270-1271) • Maria of Brabant (1274-1285) • Joan I of Navarre (1285-1305) • Margaret of Burgundy (1314-1315) • Clementia of Hungary (1315-1316) • Joan II, Countess of Burgundy (1316-1322) • Blanche of Burgundy (1322) • Maria of Luxembourg (1322-1324) • Jeanne d'Évreux (1325-1328)

Medieval France (1328–1498)

House of Valois Joan the Lame (1328–1348) • Blanche of Navarre (1350) • Joan, Countess of Auvergne (1350–1360) • Joanna of Bourbon (1364–1378) • Isabeau of Bavaria (1385–1422) • Marie of Anjou (1422–1461) • Charlotte of Savoy (1461–1483) • Anne of Brittany (1491-1498)

Early Modern France (1498–1515)

House of Valois-Orléans Joan of Valois (1498) • Anne, Duchess of Brittany (1498-1514) • Mary of England

Early Modern France (1515–1589)

House of Valois-Angoulême Claude, Duchess of Brittany (1515–1524) • Eleanor of Habsburg (1530–1547) • Catherine de' Medici (1547–1559) • Mary I of Scotland (1559–1560) • Elisabeth of Austria (1570–1574) • Louise de Lorraine-Vaudémont (1575-1589)

Early Modern France (1589–1792)

House of Bourbon Marguerite de Valois (1589–1599) • Marie de' Medici (1600–1610) • Anne of Austria (1615–1643) • Maria Theresa of Spain (1660–1683) • Françoise d'Aubigné (1685–1715) • Maria Leszczyńska (1725–1768) • Marie Antoinette of Austria (1774-1792) • Marie Josephine Louise of Savoy (1795-1810)

First Empire (1804–1814)

House of Bonaparte Josephine de Beauharnais (1804–1810) • Marie Louise of Austria (1810-1814)

Bourbon Restoration (1814, 1815–1830)

House of Bourbon Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte of France (1830) (disputed)

July Monarchy (1830–1848)

House of Orléans Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies (1830–1848)

Second Empire (1852–1870)

House of Bonaparte Eugénie de Montijo (1853–1870)

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Biography

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On 22 May 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old.

The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers.

There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Count Theobald IV of Champagne, a.k.a. KingTheobald I of Navarre since 1234, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura , cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality.

After he came of age, in 1234, aged 20, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became Queen regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Biography

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On 22 May 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old.

The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers.

There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Count Theobald IV of Champagne, a.k.a. KingTheobald I of Navarre since 1234, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura , cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality.

After he came of age, in 1234, aged 20, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became Queen regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Wikipedia:

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanka_von_Kastilien

Blanka von Kastilien

aus Wikipedia, der freien Enzyklopädie

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Krönung Blankas von Kastilien und Ludwigs VIII., Miniatur aus den Grandes Chroniques de France von Jean Fouquet

Blanka von Kastilien, (spanisch Blanca de Castilla, französisch Blanche de Castille,) (* 1188 vor dem 4. März in Palencia; † 27. November 1252 in Paris) war die dritte Tochter des Königs Alfons VIII. von Kastilien und seiner Frau Aenor von England. Letztere war wiederum eine Tochter des englischen Königs Heinrich II. Plantagenet und seiner Gemahlin Alienor dt. Eleonore von Aquitanien. Als Ehefrau von Ludwig VIII. wurde Blanka von Kastilien Königin von Frankreich.

Im Frühjahr 1200 wurde sie – einer Bestimmung im Vertrag von Le Goulet zwischen den Königen Philipp II. von Frankreich und Johann von England entsprechend, mit dem die Aussöhnung zwischen Frankreich und England erreicht werden sollte – mit dem französischen Thronfolger Ludwig verlobt, und von ihrer Großmutter Eleonore von Aquitanien nach Frankreich gebracht. Der Vertrag wurde am 22. Mai unterzeichnet, die Hochzeit mit Ludwig fand am Tag darauf, am 23. Mai in Pont-Audemer in der Normandie statt.

In den folgenden Jahren brachte sie zwölf Kinder auf die Welt, darunter den späteren König Ludwig IX. den Heiligen (Louis IX le Saint) (1215), Robert von Artois (1216), Alfons von Poitiers (1220) und Karl von Anjou (1226), womit sie den dynastischen Unsicherheiten, die lange für Unruhe im Land gesorgt hatten, ein Ende setzte. Die strenge moralische und religiöse Erziehung, die sie ihren Kindern zukommen ließ, brachte ihr zudem den Beifall des Klerus ein.

Ihre großen politischen Fähigkeiten zeigte Blanka erstmals, als Ludwig im Jahr 1216 nach dem Tod Johanns in ihrem Namen die Krone Englands reklamierte. Er fiel in England ein, fand aber eine geeinte Nation auf der Gegenseite und keine Unterstützung bei seinem Vater, lediglich bei seiner Frau, die sich in Calais niederließ, wo sie zwei Flotten ausrüstete, von denen eine von Eustach le Moine, dem berüchtigten Piraten, kommandiert wurde, sowie eine Armee, die unter dem Kommando von Robert von Courtenay stand.

Königin von Frankreich wurde sie 1223 durch Ludwigs Thronbesteigung, nach dessen Tod, drei Jahre später (1226), Regentin für ihren zwölfjährigen Sohn Ludwig IX., als welche sie sich den Anfeindungen der Barone gegenüber sah, die nach einem Jahrhundert wachsender königlicher Macht die Gelegenheit gekommen sahen, einen Teil des Verlorenen wieder zurückzugewinnen. Blanche vereitelte die Ziele der Adelsopposition, als es ihr gelang, die Gegner zu spalten: eine poetische Hommage des Grafen Theobald IV. von Champagne und ein verlängerter Aufenthalt des päpstlichen Legaten Romano Bonaventura, des Kardinals von Sant' Angelo, in Paris, trugen wesentlich dazu bei. Entscheidend waren dann ihre militärischen Vorbereitungen gepaart mit geschickter Diplomatie, die die Front aufbrachen.

Ein Höhepunkt ihres Wirkens war der Vertrag von Meaux-Paris, mit dem die Albigenserkriege beendet wurden und das Languedoc in die Hand der Kapetinger kam.

Ludwig IX. ließ ihr auch, nachdem er erwachsen geworden war, ihren politischen Einfluss, und übertrug ihr sogar erneut die Regentschaft über das Land, als er 1248 – gegen ihren energischen Widerstand - zum Sechsten Kreuzzug nach Ägypten aufbrach. In der sich entwickelnden Katastrophe half sie ihrem Sohn mit Soldaten und Geld, während es ihr gleichzeitig gelang, im Land den Frieden aufrecht zu erhalten.

Im November 1252 erkrankte sie in Melun schwer. Sie wurde nach Paris gebracht, wo sie noch einige Tage lebte, aber am 27. November starb. Sie wurde in dem von ihr gegründeten Zisterzienserkloster Maubuisson beerdigt.

Sie ist eine Heilige. Ihr Gedenktag ist der 1. Dezember.

Nachkommen [Bearbeiten]

   * Tochter (* 1205; † wohl 1206)

* Tochter (* wohl 1207; † klein)
* Philipp (Philippe) (* 9. September 1209; † 1218 vor Juli)
* Tochter (* wohl 1213; † klein)
* Ludwig IX. der Heilige (Louis IX le Saint) (* 25. April 1215; † 25. August 1270) König von Frankreich
* Robert I. (* September 1216, wohl am 17.; † 9. Februar 1250), Graf von Artois,
* Philipp (Philippe) (* wohl 1218; † wohl 1220)
* Johann (Jean) (* September 1219; † 1232) Graf von Anjou,
* Alfons (* 11. November 1220; † 21. August 1271) Graf von Poitou,
* Philipp (Philippe) (* 20/21. Februar 1222; † 1232)
* Isabella (Isabelle) (* 3. März/14. April 1224; † 23. Februar 1269), Selige Isabella von Frankreich (Isabella von Longchamp)
* Karl Stephan (Charles Etienne) (* März 1226, wohl am 21.; † 7. Januar 1285) Graf von Anjou, König von Neapel,
Literatur [Bearbeiten]

   * Jean de Joinville: La vie de Saint Louis

* Wilhelm von Nangis:
* Elie Berger: Histoire de Blanche de Castille, reine de France, in Bibliothèque des écoles françaises d’Athènes et de Rome, Band LXX, Paris 1895
* Louis-Sébastien Le Nain de Tillemont: Vie de Saint Louis, hg. von J. de Gaulle für die Société de l’histoire de France (6 Bände, 1847-1851);
* Paulin Paris: Nouvelles recherches sur les mteurs de la reine Blanche et de Thibaud, in: Cabinet historique, 1858.
* Régine Pernoud: Herrscherin in bewegter Zeit. Blanca von Kastilien, Königin von Frankreich, Neuausgabe 1995
* Philippe Delorme: Blanche de Castille, Histoire des Reines de France, Ed. Pygmalion, 2002.
Weblinks [Bearbeiten]

   * Blanka von Kastilien. In: Biographisch-Bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon (BBKL).

* genealogie-mittelalter.de
Vorgängerin

Agnes von Andechs-Meranien

Königin von Frankreich

1200-1226 Nachfolgerin

Margarete von der Provence

Normdaten: PND: 118663739 – weitere Informationen

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France.

She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine. Wikipedia

Founder of the Abbey of Maubuisson.

Sources:

The book, 'An Autobiography of Eleanor'.

French Culture Glossary, Chap. 8.

(plus many more)

Blanche of Castile (March 4, 1188 – November 26, 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France. She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo.

The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

At the age of 11, in the year 1200, Blanche of Castile (known in Spanish as Blanca de Castilla) married 12-year-old Louis of Artois, who would become King Louis VIII of France.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of King John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. King Philip Augustus of France refused to help his son Louis, and Blanche was his sole support. She established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his short reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

After Louis's death, Blanche masterfully managed the regency and continued as powerful Queen Mother even when her son Louis IX was old enough to become King. She was again regent when her son went off on another foolish and futile Crusade.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blanche_of_Castile for more information.

In consequence of a treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead. On May 22, 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Gracay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

Blanche first displayed her great qualities in 1216, when Louis, who on the death of John claimed the English crown in her right, invaded England, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. Although it would seem that her masterful temper exercised a sensible influence upon her husband's gentler character, her role during his reign (1223-1226) is not well known.

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir – afterwards the sainted Louis IX – was but twelve years old. The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers. There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Theobald IV of Champagne, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality. After he came of age, in 1234, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis IX married Marguerite of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill into a bale of hay at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson.

Blanche of Castile (Blanca de Castilla in Spanish; 4 March 1188 – 26 November 1252), wife of Louis VIII of France.

She was born in Palencia, Spain, the third daughter of Alfonso VIII, king of Castile, and of Eleanor of England. Eleanor was a daughter of Henry II of England and his Queen consort Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Biography

Early Life

In consequence of a dangerous treaty between Philip Augustus and John of England, Blanche's sister Urraca was betrothed to the former's son, Louis. Their grandmother Eleanor, upon getting acquainted with the two sisters, judged that Blanche's personality was more fit for a queen of France. In the spring of 1200 she brought her to France instead.

Marriage

On 22 May 1200 the treaty was finally signed, John ceding with his niece the fiefs of Issoudun and Graçay, together with those that André de Chauvigny, lord of Châteauroux, held in Berry, of the English crown. The marriage was celebrated the next day, at Portmort on the right bank of the Seine, in John's domains, as those of Philip lay under an interdict.

During the English baron's rebellion 1215-16 against King John, it was Blanche's English ancestry as granddaughter to Henry II that led to Louis being offered the throne of England as Louis I. However, with the death of John in October 1216, the barons changed their allegiance to John's son, the nine-year-old Henry.

Louis continued to claim the English crown in her right, only to find a united nation against him. Philip Augustus refused to help his son, and Blanche was his sole support. The queen established herself at Calais and organized two fleets, one of which was commanded by Eustace the Monk, and an army under Robert of Courtenay; but all her resolution and energy were in vain. With French forces defeated at Lincoln in May 1217 and then routed on their way back to their London stronghold, Louis desperately needed the reinforcements from France. On 24 August, the English fleet destroyed the French fleet carrying those reinforcements off Sandwich and Louis was forced to sue for peace.

Regency

Upon his death he left Blanche regent and guardian of his children. Of her twelve or thirteen children, six had died, and Louis, the heir — afterwards the sainted Louis IX — was but twelve years old.

The situation was critical, for the hard-won domains of the house of Capet seemed likely to fall to pieces during a minority. Blanche had to bear the whole burden of affairs alone, to break up a league of the barons (1226), and to repel the attack of the king of England (1230). But her energy and firmness overcame all dangers.

There was an end to the calumnies circulated against her, based on the poetical homage rendered her by Count Theobald IV of Champagne, a.k.a. King Theobald I of Navarre since 1234, and the prolonged stay in Paris of the papal legate, Romano Bonaventura, cardinal of Sant' Angelo. The nobles were awed by her warlike preparations or won over by adroit diplomacy, and their league was broken up. St Louis owed his realm to his mother, but he himself always remained somewhat under the spell of her imperious personality.

She did not have a good relationship with her daughter-in-law Margaret of Provence, perhaps due to the strong relationship she had with her son. Jean de Joinville tells of the time when Queen Margaret was giving birth and Blanche entered the room telling her son to leave saying "Come ye hence, ye do naught here". Queen Margaret then allegedly fainted out of distress. When Queen Blanche was present in the royal household she did not like Margaret and Louis to be together "except when he went to lie with her".

Queen Mother

After Louis came of age, in 1234, aged 20, her influence upon him may still be traced. The same year, he was married, and Blanche became Queen mother. Louis married Margaret of Provence, who was the eldest of four daughters of Ramon, count of Provence, and Beatrice of Savoy. In 1248 Blanche again became regent, during Louis IX's absence on the crusade, a project which she had strongly opposed. In the disasters which followed she maintained peace, while draining the land of men and money to aid her son in the East. At last her strength failed her. She fell ill at Melun in November 1252, and was taken to Paris, but lived only a few days. She was buried at Maubuisson and the last surving grandchild of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine to die.

Literature

Besides the works of Joinville and William of Nangis, see Élie Berger, "Histoire de Blanche de Castille, reine de France", in Bibliothèque des Ecoles françaises d'Athènes et de Rome, vol. lxx. (Paris, 1895); Le Nain de Tillemont, "Vie de Saint Louis", ed. by J. de Gaulle for the Société de l'histoire de France (6 vols., 1847–1851); and Paulin Paris, "Nouvelles recherches sur les mœurs de la reine Blanche et de Thibaud", in Cabinet historique (1858).

In popular culture

An image of Blanche of Castille has been used on the home kit of French Rugby Union team Stade Français since the 2008 season.

Family

Her paternal grandparents were Alfonso II, Count of Provence and Gersende II de Sabran, Countess of Forcalquier . Her maternal grandparents were Thomas I of Savoy and Marguerite of Geneva , daughter of William I of Geneva and Beatrice de Faucigny.

Her younger sisters were:

Eleanor of Provence became the Queen consort of Henry III of England .

Sanchia of Provence who became the Queen consort of Richard, Earl of Cornwall and rival King of the Germans .

Beatrice of Provence who was the Queen consort of Charles I of Sicily

Marriage

On 27 May 1234 at the age of thirteen, Margaret became the Queen consort of France and wife of Louis IX of France , by whom she had eleven children. She was crowned on the following day.

Margaret, like her sisters, was noted for her beauty, she was said to be "pretty with dark hair and fine eyes", and in the early years of their marriage she and Louis enjoyed a warm relationship. Her Franciscan confessor, William de St. Pathus, related that on cold nights Margaret would place a robe around Louis' shoulders, when her deeply religious husband rose to pray. Another anecdote recorded by St. Pathus related that Margaret felt that Louis' plain clothing was unbecoming to his royal dignity, to which Louis replied that he would dress as she wished, if she dressed as he wished. However, the chronicler Joinville noted with disapproval that Louis rarely asked after his wife and children, and in later years Louis became vexed with Margaret's ambition.

She accompanied Louis on his first crusade and was responsible for negotiations and ransom when he was captured. She was thus for a brief time the only woman ever to lead a crusade. During this period, while in Damietta </wiki/Damietta>, she gave birth to Jean Tristran.

After the death of Louis on his second crusade, during which she remained in France, she returned to Provence.

She was devoted to her sister Queen Eleanor of England, and they stayed in contact until Eleanor's death in 1291. Margaret herself died four and a half years after her sister, on 21 December 1295. She was seventy-four years old.