In 1141, Matilda, daughter of Henry I, sat down to a victory banquet in Westminster, certain of her imminent coronation as Queen Matilda of England. Yet it was a coronation that would never come to pass - so how was England's potential first queen regnant foiled?
queens
Amanirenas, Nubian Queen
In 40 BC, while Cleopatra was ruling over a stable Egypt, their southern neighbours gained a different badass lady as a ruler. Amanirenas was a fearless warrior queen who, despite her kingdom's small size, was able to stand up against the might of Rome.
Kristina of Sweden
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a king in possession of a crown, must be in want of a son. So much so, in King Gustav II of Sweden's case, that his daughter was at first announced as a son. Yet the future Queen Kristina would soon prove to be far more than what was then expected of her sex.
‘Bloody’ Mary – the Tudors in comparison
Of the five crowned Tudor monarchs, only three - Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I - are properly remembered in history, and only two are considered significant rulers. Mary I, with a reign lasting five years and 121 days, is often classed simultaneously as the weakest Tudor and the bloodiest - but are either of these true?
Maligned Women: Marie Antoinette
The last Queen of France is probably among the most maligned women in history, perceived as insensitive and cruel. In reality, she was modest and frugal, and once much-loved by her subjects. So how did she end up executed by a cheering mob?
Z is for… Zenobia
Born around 240 AD in Palmyra, Syria, Zenobia would rise to challenge the likes of the Roman Empire and even earn their grudging respect, despite their prejudices against both her race and sex.
V is for… Velu Nachiyar
India has its fair share of female warriors in its history, but one of the first was a woman named Velu Nachiyar, the first Queen of Sivaganga estate. She was the first queen to take on British colonial powers in India, and she emerged victorious, restoring her kingdom to its former glory.
S is for… Six!
We all know the rhyme and, thanks to Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, many more are starting to learn who the women behind ‘Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived’ were. But how much of Six is actually historically accurate? Short answer: A fair amount. Long answer? Read on.
Nefertiti – A Beautiful Woman Has Come
Literally named 'a beautiful woman has come', Nefertiti is now known as one of the most beautiful women to have ever lived. But she was more than just a pretty face - during her lifetime she wielded considerable power and may have even risen to pharaoh status.
Anne of Great Britain – England’s Forgotten Queen
Queen Anne had a tragic life, suffering the losses of almost everyone she had loved. History remembers her as weak, ineffective, and constantly under the thumb of her 'favourites'. Yet, this could not be further from the truth.