The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth

The reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603) is often considered the golden age of English history. However, before Elizabeth ascended the throne, several other remarkable women had ruled England, each leaving their own unique mark on the nation's history.

She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth

by Helen Castor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3472 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	491 pages

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Matilde (1102-1167)

Matilde, also known as Empress Matilda, was the daughter of King Henry I and the granddaughter of William the Conqueror. She was proclaimed Queen of England in 1141, but her reign was marred by a civil war with her cousin Stephen. Despite her defeat, Matilde's legacy as a strong and determined ruler has endured.

Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204)

Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most influential women in medieval Europe. She was married to two kings, Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, and ruled as Queen of England from 1154 to 1189. Eleanor was a keen patron of the arts and a skilled politician, and her influence extended far beyond her husband's reign.

Isabella of France (1292-1358)

Isabella of France, known as the She-Wolf of France, was Queen of England from 1308 to 1327. Her husband, Edward II, was a weak ruler, and Isabella eventually deposed him and ruled as regent for her son Edward III. Isabella's reign was tumultuous, but her courage and determination in deposing her husband broke new ground for women in politics.

Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482)

Margaret of Anjou was Queen of England from 1445 to 1471, married to Henry VI. Her rule was marked by the Wars of the Roses, a civil war between the Lancastrian and Yorkist factions. Margaret was a fierce supporter of her husband, and she continued to fight for his cause even after he was captured and imprisoned. Her relentless determination earned her both admiration and respect.

Cecily Neville (1415-1495)

Cecily Neville was the Duchess of York and mother of Edward IV and Richard III. She was a powerful and influential figure in the court of Henry VI, and she played a key role in the Wars of the Roses. Cecily's strength and resilience in the face of adversity made her a formidable figure in 15th-century England.

She-Wolves: The Women Who Ruled England Before Elizabeth

by Helen Castor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3472 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	491 pages

FREE