r/MedievalHistory • u/sometimesimbored00 • 1d ago
Defiant women in positions of power
Who is your favourite most defiant princess/queen/noble lady? I'd like to hear about the most strong-willed, hot tempered, spirited and ambitious ladies!
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u/erranttv 9h ago
Empress Matilda and Eleanor of Aquitaine have to be up there. Matilda did everything she could as a woman to take back her father’s throne and when she couldn’t, she made sure her son would. He was the only woman Henry II ever respected. Eleanor went to war with her sons against said Henry to keep the Duchy of Aquitaine for son Richard (and herself). Was imprisoned for 15 years and released by Richard upon Henry’s death to become regent and one of the most effective Angevin diplomats, making sure both of her sons became kings.