Eleanor of Provence | |
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Queen consort of England | |
Tenure | 14 January 1236 – 16 November 1272 |
Coronation | 20 January 1236 |
Born | c. 1223 Aix-en-Provence, France |
Died | 24/25 June 1291 (aged 67–68) Amesbury, Wiltshire, England |
Burial | |
Spouse | |
Issue | |
House | Barcelona |
Father | Ramon Berenguer V, Count of Provence |
Mother | Beatrice of Savoy |
Eleanor of Provence (c. 1223 – 24/25 June 1291) was a Provençal noblewoman who became Queen of England as the wife of King Henry III from 1236 until his death in 1272. She served as regent of England during the absence of her spouse in France in 1253.
Although she was completely devoted to her husband and staunchly defended him against the rebel Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, she was very much hated by the Londoners. This was because she had brought many relatives with her to England in her retinue; these were known as "the Savoyards", and they were given influential positions in the government and realm. On one occasion, Eleanor's barge was attacked by angry Londoners who pelted her with stones, mud, pieces of paving, rotten eggs and vegetables.
Eleanor had five children, including the future King Edward I of England. She also was renowned for her cleverness, skill at writing poetry, and as a leader of fashion.