#englishqueens

[thebrightpreciousthings]

queens of england: the six wives of henry viii 

[infamoushistory]

Berengaria of Navarre: The Queen Who Never Saw England

Berengaria of Navarre remains one of the most unusual queens in English history. Wife of Richard I of England, she is traditionally remembered as “the only English queen never to set foot in England.” Although some historians believe she may have visited the country after Richard’s death, she never crossed its shores during her time as queen.

Berengaria’s marriage to Richard was shaped by the realities of the medieval world. She accompanied him at the beginning of the Third Crusade, a rare act for a crusader’s wife, but the couple spent little time together and had no children. Afterward, Berengaria lived mostly in Richard’s French territories, where she devoted herself to charitable works and generously supported the church.

After Richard’s death, Berengaria faced financial struggles as she fought to receive the income promised to her as queen. Her brother-in-law and successor, John of England, was slow to provide her with the pension she was owed. Despite these hardships, Berengaria maintained her dignity and became remembered as a pious and charitable queen whose life was far removed from the throne she technically held.