This talk covers seven important and influential women at the time of Norman England. Starting in 1027 with the birth of William the Conqueror to a peasant girl and ending with the accession of Henry 2nd, son of the Empress Matilda, in 1154. These women, mostly little known, all shaped English history and 5 were called Matilda! Although covering serious history, the talk is very lighthearted. It will hopefully whet appetites to learn more about these fascinating women as we whizz through 126 years of history!

2. Eleanor of Aquitaine

Eleanor was probably the most important woman throughout the whole period of medieval Europe. In her life she was Duchess of Aquitaine, Queen of France, Queen of England , Duchess of Normandy, Maine and Anjou and Regent of England.

Eleanor produced ten children, nine of whom became kings and queens or married into royalty and power. Three of her sons were crowned King of England. The majority of her descendants married royalty or aristocrats across the entire continent, acknowledging Eleanor as the “Grandmother of Europe.”

This is an incredibly simplified account  about a quite remarkable woman and  some gargantuan power struggles… far better than many a soap opera!!

This covers 80 years in 50 minutes so vast amounts are omitted…but I will give you a flavour of this quite remarkable woman.