Catherine Hanley, author of 'Lioness Heart' and expert in medieval history, delves into the life of Joanna Plantagenet, a daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine. They discuss Joanna's remarkable journey from royal constraints to her defiance against oppressive marital pressures and her daring leadership during political turmoil. Highlighting her resilience, Cath reveals Joanna's mastery of negotiation amidst the dangers of Cyprus and emphasizes her substantial yet often overlooked influence in a male-dominated era. A testament to women's agency in medieval history!
Joanna Plantagenet exemplified resilience by navigating political intrigue and personal tragedy in a patriarchal society, asserting her agency throughout her life.
Her marriage to King William II of Sicily allowed Joanna a level of respect and autonomy uncommon for women of her time, highlighting the complexities of royal partnerships.
Joanna's participation in the Third Crusade demonstrated her evolving political agency, as she skillfully engaged in logistics and diplomacy while rejecting controversial marriage proposals.
Deep dives
Joanna Plantagenet's Life and Education
Joanna Plantagenet, the youngest daughter of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, was born in October 1165 and spent her early childhood in the households of her royal parents. Unlike many royal daughters of the time, Joanna's birth was recorded by chroniclers, allowing historians to trace her upbringing to Fontervraud Abbey, where she received an education alongside her brother John. Early education focused on literacy and prayer, though royal children typically did not learn to write, as it was considered a manual task beneath them. Joanna's expected path, typical for noble women, involved limited autonomy regarding her marriage and life decisions, a theme that would recur throughout her life.
Marriage to King William of Sicily
At the tender age of ten, Joanna was informed of her betrothal to King William II of Sicily, a strategic alliance orchestrated by her father, Henry II. William, who was sixteen years her senior, treated Joanna with respect and facilitated her education, showcasing a level of care that was not always afforded to young brides of the era. Their marriage remained childless for a decade, yet it was characterized by mutual respect, which allowed Joanna some degree of agency in her role as queen. Following William's death, Joanna found herself in a vulnerable position without an heir, leading to a power struggle over the Sicilian throne that ultimately left her imprisoned.
Joanna's Imprisonment and Rescue
After supporting William’s chosen heirs against a rival claimant Tancred, Joanna faced imprisonment following William's death, demonstrating the precarious position of royal widows. Her brother Richard the Lionheart initiated a rescue operation after hearing of her captivity, which also became a public matter of honor. Despite her eventual liberation, Richard's arrival marked the beginning of more tumultuous events as he sought to reclaim Joanna’s stolen assets. Ultimately, Joanna’s historical narrative highlights her lack of autonomy, as she remained dependent on male family members for protection and resources throughout her life.
Adventures in the Holy Land
Joanna accompanied Richard to the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, where she played a role in the logistics and diplomacy of the campaign amidst significant military turmoil. Her experiences ranged from enduring the dangers of siege warfare to navigating complex political alliances, including a controversial proposal for her marriage to Saladin's brother, which she fiercely rejected. Joanna demonstrated her capacity for political agency by standing up to Richard, reflecting her growth from a royal pawn into a figure with her own voice in negotiations. Despite the militaristic backdrop, her time in the Holy Land offers insight into the nuanced roles royal women could play in international relations.
Legacy and Final Years
After her return to Europe, Joanna's life continued to be characterized by political entanglements and personal trials, including a problematic marriage to Raymond VI of Toulouse. Their union, marked by infidelity and disagreements over religious beliefs, ultimately led Joanna to leave Raymond, asserting her independence at significant personal risk. Tragically, her health declined after giving birth to her third child, leading to her untimely death shortly thereafter. Joanna's final wishes and the circumstances of her passing serve to encapsulate the challenges faced by women of royal stature, as they navigated the intricate landscape of power, duty, and personal agency in the medieval world.
The courageous life of Joanna Plantagenet extends far beyond her mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and her 'brave and heroic' brother Richard the Lionheart. She conquers the throne, escapes from a prison, is shipwrecked, goes on crusade, survives bullying brothers and husbands and essentially waits for no man. As Dr. Catherine Hanley puts it; "you don't become Queen and sit about eating chocolates, there's a job to do".
Matt Lewis is joined by Cath to celebrate the adventurous and tumultuous life of Joanna Plantagenet, who's resilience and resourcefulness is astonishing as she navigates political intrigue, personal tragedy, and battles for survival in a male-dominated world. She is a testament to the ways medieval women asserted power and agency in a time of limited control.
Gone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.
Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.
Hear Dr. Cath Hanley on Gone Medieval's Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior:
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