Virtual Branch Film

In this talk Dr Gabrielle Storey discusses the life and times of Berengaria of Navarre, queen of England, lord of Le Mans, and wife of Richard I.

Berengaria of Navarre has been inaccurately labelled as the only queen never to have stepped foot in England. This talk will present new analysis of the evidence to understand her experience as queen consort of England on crusade, and her campaign for her royal rights and revenues during her widowhood.

In her new biography of the queen, Dr Storey challenges the misconceptions and myths surrounding Berengaria's life, and argues for a reappraisal of the political career of one of England's most forgotten queens. Covering Berengaria's life from Infanta of Navarre to crusading queen to a lord in France, this study highlights new areas to consider when thinking about medieval queens and their lives.

This Virtual Branch lecture was recorded on 13th March 2023.