The theatrical film The Lion In Winter stars Peter O’Toole as King Henry II, and Katharine Hepburn as his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Adapted from his stage play of the same title, author James Goldman provides a fictional, but plausible, account of intra-family deceit and political conniving within the large and powerful Angevin Empire, which spanned much of the land that is now Britain, and much of what is now Northeastern France, within the medieval world. Directed and edited by Anthony
Henry II was born in 1133, and died at 56 years old, in 1189. When he was only 2 years old, his grandfather Henry I, appointed his cousin Stephen to the throne, instead of Matilda, who would be rightfully eligible to the throne. Matilda was not found suitable, firstly because of her gender (in a sexist society), and secondly because she was married to a rival of the Norms, Geoffrey of Anjou. Born in Anjou, to Geoffrey of Anjou, (Plantagenet), the most powerful Duque of Central France, and Matilda
John I was born on December 24, 1167 as the youngest son of Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. For most of John’s early life, his brothers, Henry, Richard and Geoffrey, and even his mother were all embroiled in some type of rebellion with Henry II. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why according to several historic records, John was the favored child of Henry and as such enjoyed several perks. He was the first son married and to an Italian heiress named Isabella no less. As Henry II’s
king in his own time, as well as the hero of countless romantic legends. He has been viewed less kindly by more recent historians and scholars. Richard was the third son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and he was given the duchy of Aquitaine, his mother’s inheritance, at the age of 11 and was enthroned as duke at Poitiers in 1172. Richard possessed precocious political and military ability, he won fame for his knightly prowess, and quickly learned how to control the turbulent aristocracy
Eleanor of Aquitaine History Thesis Paper Eleanor of Aquitaine was born into an esteemed French family from which she inherited the region of Aquitaine and became one of the most influential female figures in history (Eleanor of Aquitaine Marries Henry II). Through two marriages and many children, Eleanor of Aquitaine managed to become the queen of France as well as the queen of England; her complicated life and titles would later lead to centuries of war (Eleanor, Historic World leaders). Even with
Upon the death of King Richard I in 1199 A.D., the only remaining heir to the throne was his younger brother John. Regarded as one of the worst kings of England, John’s reign was no doubt unpopular. As hated as John was, there was no denying that he was a hard worker, competent general and able king. It was not John’s failure as a strategist that made his reign crumble, but rather his underlying character flaws, such as his unyielding cruelty, pettiness and lack of sympathy for his people. John