Gone Medieval
Joanna: Eleanor of Aquitaine's Fierce Daughter
Published: 28 March 2025 at 03:00 Europe/London
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Episode notes
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:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3URgqZAWK25RBFbZrE8F40?si=oXtPW4FOQ8eNvQ72vQhmTg
For more on Joanna Plantagenet's family:
Eleanor of Aquitaine:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/67XsxIAKd8AwctFgFAlkXL
Richard the Lionheart:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vJVuLhSWVzisKBbbNVUqa
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