Eleanor of Aquitaine

Inspired by french lavender fields and cinnamon that she is reportedly responsible for introducing to the UK.

Born around 1122 into the immensely wealthy Duchy of Aquitaine, Eleanor inherited one of the largest and most prosperous territories in western Europe while still in her teens. Aquitaine was renowned for its flourishing courts, sophisticated culture, and tradition of poetry and music. Unlike many noblewomen of her age, Eleanor was raised with an education befitting a ruler, learning the responsibilities of governance alongside an appreciation for literature, diplomacy, and the arts. As Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, she possessed lands whose wealth rivalled that of many kings.

Her marriage to Louis VII of France in 1137 made her Queen of France, placing her at the centre of European politics. Yet the marriage proved an uneasy partnership. Eleanor's vibrant courtly upbringing contrasted sharply with Louis's deeply religious and reserved character, and tensions between the couple became increasingly apparent. Together they embarked upon the Second Crusade, an extraordinary undertaking that saw Eleanor travel thousands of miles across Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. Although the crusade ended in failure, her participation remains remarkable, reflecting both her determination and the exceptional role she occupied among medieval queens.

After fifteen years of marriage and the birth of two daughters, Eleanor's marriage to Louis was annulled in 1152. Within weeks, she married the energetic and ambitious Henry II of England, a union that transformed the political landscape of western Europe. Two years later Henry became King of England, and Eleanor once again found herself crowned queen, this time presiding over an empire that stretched from the Scottish borders to the Pyrenees.

As Queen of England, Eleanor was far more than a ceremonial figure. She travelled extensively throughout the Angevin Empire, governed her own territories, oversaw courts, managed estates, and acted as regent during Henry's absences. Her political experience and authority allowed her to play an active role in the administration of one of medieval Europe's largest realms. Together, Eleanor and Henry produced eight children, among them the future kings Richard I of England and John, King of England.

Yet Eleanor's life was far from peaceful. As Henry's relationships with their sons deteriorated, she found herself supporting the rebellion of her children against their father. The revolt failed, and Eleanor spent approximately sixteen years in varying degrees of captivity under Henry's orders. Even during imprisonment, however, her influence was never entirely extinguished. She remained a figure of immense political importance whose release awaited only the king's death.

When Henry II died in 1189, Eleanor immediately resumed an active role in government. Her son Richard I inherited the throne, but with much of his reign spent on crusade and in captivity, Eleanor effectively governed England and managed the Angevin territories in his absence. Well into her seventies, she travelled across Europe negotiating alliances, raising Richard's enormous ransom after his capture, and preserving the stability of the kingdom during one of its most uncertain periods.

Eleanor also left a lasting cultural legacy. Her courts at Poitiers and Aquitaine became closely associated with the flourishing traditions of troubadour poetry and courtly love, encouraging artistic expression that influenced medieval literature for generations. Whether every legend surrounding her patronage is entirely accurate remains debated, but there is little doubt that Eleanor fostered an environment where music, poetry, and intellectual life could thrive.

She spent her final years at Fontevraud Abbey, where she continued to advise her children and grandchildren before her death in 1204. Buried alongside Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor left behind a dynasty that would dominate English and French history for centuries. Through her descendants, her influence extended across the royal houses of Europe, shaping the political landscape long after her own lifetime had ended.

cedarwood, cinnamon and french lavender

Cedarwood:
Cedarwood has been prized since ancient times, particularly in the Middle East, where the famous Cedars of Lebanon were used to build temples, palaces, and ships. The Egyptians also used cedarwood oil in embalming and religious ceremonies because of its preservative qualities and rich aroma. Although cedar trees are not native to Britain, cedarwood oil and timber were imported from the medieval period onwards. By the Georgian and Victorian eras, cedarwood was valued in Britain for fine furniture, chests, and wardrobes, where its natural insect repelling properties protected clothing and linens.

Cinnamon:
Cinnamon, derived from the bark of several Cinnamomum species native to Sri Lanka and southern India, has been traded for more than 4,000 years. It was highly valued by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans for medicine, incense, and cooking. In Britain, cinnamon arrived through Roman trade but became particularly prized during the medieval period, when it was used in wealthy households to flavour meats, wines, and desserts. The spice became increasingly available through British trade with Asia and remains an essential ingredient in traditional British baking, mulled drinks, and festive recipes.

French Lavender:
Although lavender is native to the Mediterranean, it has been cultivated extensively in France for centuries, giving rise to the term "French lavender." The Romans introduced lavender to Britain nearly 2,000 years ago, where it was valued for bathing, medicine, and fragrance. During the medieval period it was grown in monastery gardens for treating ailments and freshening linens. By the Tudor and Victorian eras, lavender had become a familiar feature of British gardens, while French lavender oil was especially prized for perfumes and soaps. Today, it remains one of Britain's most cherished garden plants and fragrance ingredients.

Contains 1-Octen-3-yl acetate, Benzyl salicylate, Coumarin, Eucalyptol, Eugenol, Geraniol, Geranyl acetate, Isoeugenol, Neryl acetate, Terpinen-4-ol, a-Pinene, d-Limonene, lLimonene, trans-trans-Farnesol. May produce an allergic reaction.