The Queen's Hand: Power and Authority in the Reign of Berenguela of Castile by Janna Bianchini: A Book Review

The Queen’s Hand: Power and Authority in the Reign of Berenguela of Castile 

Author: Janna Bianchini

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography 

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Book Release Date: 2012

Pages: 363

Source: Personal Collection 

Synopsis: Her name is undoubtedly less familiar than that of her grandmother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, or that of her famous conqueror son, Fernando III, yet during her lifetime, Berenguela of Castile (1180-1246) was one of the most powerful women in Europe. As queen-consort of Alfonso IX of León, she acquired the troubled boundary lands between the kingdoms of Castile and León and forged alliances with powerful nobles on both sides. Even after her marriage was dissolved, she continued to strengthen these connections as a member of her father's court. On her brother's death, she inherited the Castilian throne outright—and then, remarkably, elevated her son to kingship at the same time. Using her assiduously cultivated alliances, Berenguela ruled alongside Fernando and set into motion the strategy that in 1230 would result in his acquisition of the crown of León—and the permanent union of Castile and León.

     In The Queen's Hand, Janna Bianchini explores Berenguela's extraordinary lifelong partnership with her son and examines the means through which she was able to build and exercise power. Bianchini contends that recognition of Berenguela as a powerful reigning queen by nobles, bishops, ambassadors, and popes shows the key participation of royal women in the western Iberian monarchy. Demonstrating how royal women could wield enormous authority both within and outside their kingdoms, Bianchini reclaims Berenguela's place as one of the most important figures of the Iberian Middle Ages.

      My Review: Queen Berenguela of Castile was one of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. She was a reigning medieval queen of Castile. Queen Berenguela of Castile would help unify two separate kingdoms, Castile and Leon. She would then extend her queenship to Leon as well. This biography explores how Queen Berenguela of Castile was able to exercise her power.

      During Queen Berenguela of Castile’s lifetime, Spain was broken into two separate kingdoms. She was the granddaughter of King Henry II of England and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her father was King Alfonso VIII of Castile. Her mother was Queen Eleanor Platagenet. Berenguela first married Duke Conrad II of Swabia. The marriage was never consummated and was eventually annulled. Her husband was King Alfonso IX of Leon and she was made queen consort of Leon. She would bear him a son named Fernando III and three other children. Because their marriage was consanguineous, their marriage would be annulled, and Queen Berenguela was sent home to Castile.

      After her father, King Alfonso VIII died, Queen Berenguela would become the heir apparent to her brother, King Enrique I of Castile. In 1217, King Enrique I died, and Queen Berenguela inherited the throne of Castile. She made her son, Fernando III, the King of Castile and her co-ruler. Since she inherited Castile, she would be known as Queen of Castile. Her former husband, King Alfonso IX of Leon opposed the unification of Leon and Castile. He did not want his son, King Fernando III to inherit his kingdom. Instead, he made his daughters from his marriage that was also annulled, Princess Sancha and Princess Dulce, his heirs. 

     However, Queen Berenguela of Castile fought for her son, King Fernando III to inherit Leon. She prevented her stepdaughters’ prospective marriages. She also made alliances with clergy, nobles, and towns along the border between Leon and Castile. Therefore, when King Alfonso IX of Leon died, she prevented Princess Sancha and Princess Dulce from inheriting Leon and helped Fernando III, to become King of Leon. Even though Queen Berenquela had no claim to Leon's throne, her queenship from Castile was extended to Leon as well. 

       Overall, I found this book to be a very comprehensive biography. I thought Mrs. Bianchini did an excellent job in portraying the politics of the era. As a general reader, I was able to understand the complexities of a divided Spain. I did find the writing style to be dry and it read like a textbook. However, I found Queen Berenguela of Castile to be a very fascinating figure. I had never heard of her before I read this book. While reading it, I wondered why she was never given much attention in the modern era or why she was not a popular icon like her grandmother, Eleanor of Aquitaine! I would have loved to read more books about her. I recommend this book for fans of Alison Weir, Joanna Arman, and Kathyrn Warner! Queen Berengeula of Castile story definitely deserves to be told! Hopefully, there will be more studies on her!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars