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Blanche of Castile

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Royalty

The Resume

    (March 4, 1188-November 26, 1252)
    Born in Spain
    Born in Castile (now part of present-day Spain)
    Queen consort of France (1200-1226)
    Queen Mother of France (1226-1252)
    Mother of St. Louis IX
    Granddaughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine

Why she might be annoying:

    She was born Blanca, but it was changed to Blanche to sound more French.
    Her grandmother visited Castile to select a bride for the king of France. When choosing between Blanche and her sister, Urraca, Eleanor went with Blanche because Urraca's name sounded too weird.
    She had twelve children.
    She didn't get along with Margaret, King Louis IX's wife.
    She didn't like her son to be with Margaret 'except to lie with her.'
    She married in her early teens.

Why she might not be annoying:

    She outlived all but four of her children.
    When her husband, the king of France, died, she became regent for her son, King Louis IX.
    She beat back a rebellion of barons, who were backed by the king of England.
    She also put down other revolts in the kingdom during her son's minority.
    She kept France's territories intact.
    She used her money to establish dowries for poor girls.
    She stepped up to rule France again while her son was on crusade.
    She advised against King Louis going on crusade and was proven right--the crusade was a disaster.
    Her son, King Louis IX, and her daughter, Isabelle, were both canonized as saints.

Credit: Truffle


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 19 Votes: 84.21% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 29 Votes: 51.72% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 73 Votes: 50.68% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 6 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 7 Votes: 42.86% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 13 Votes: 53.85% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 57 Votes: 50.88% Annoying
    In 2013, Out of 71 Votes: 59.15% Annoying
    In 2012, Out of 12 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2011, Out of 72 Votes: 47.22% Annoying