The Autumn Throne

by Elizabeth Chadwick Book 3 in the Eleanor of Aquitaine series.

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4.5(11,282)

Imprisoned after supporting her sons’ rebellion against Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine refuses to relinquish her identity as queen and duchess. Henry’s death restores her freedom in 1189, and she immediately works to secure Richard’s succession and maintain order while he prepares for crusade.

Eleanor crosses Europe to arrange Richard’s marriage, governs during his absence and raises the enormous ransom required after his capture. As rivalry between Richard, John and Philip II threatens the Angevin inheritance, she uses diplomacy, family alliances and endurance to remain politically effective into old age.

Eleanor’s later career demonstrates how queenship and motherhood can become practical instruments of government. She issues charters, negotiates with nobles and travels across the Angevin territories while Richard is absent, then works again to stabilise the succession for John. The novel’s final phase therefore treats old age not as withdrawal but as the period in which decades of dynastic experience become most politically valuable.

Historical Periods

Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine1152–1189 CE Third Crusade1189–1192 CE Captivity and Ransom of Richard I1192–1194

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction Dynastic & Royal Fiction Historical Sagas Social & Domestic Fiction War Fiction

Historical people

Eleanor of Aquitaine1124–1204 Richard I of England1157–1199 John, King of England1166–1216 Philip II of France1165–1223 William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke1146–1219