Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 edition. Excerpt: ... ELEANORA, THIRD DAUGHTER OF KING JOHN. CHAPTER I. Eleanora's birth--Early education--William Marshall--Eleanora offered to him--Discussions -- Marriage--Voyage to Bretagne--Death of Earl William--Eleanora takes a sacred vow--Her dowry embarrassmentsSimon de Montfort--Attachment between him and Eleanora--Opposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury--Clandestine marriage--Wrath of the barons--Simon goes to Rome--Eleanora at Kenilworth--Pope confirms the marriage--Simon's return--Birth of Henry de Montfort--Visit of Amelric--Removal to Odiham--Simon is godfather to Prince Edward-- King's anger banishes the Earl and Countess--They retire to France-- Simon's crusade--Return to England--Gascon expedition--Coolness of the King--Simon and Eleanora retire to Kenilworth--Its situation and strength--Their children--Robert Grosstfite--Adam de Marisco--Eleanora's dowry--Her visits to Waverley. Eleanora, the third daughter of King John, first saw the light at a time when troubles were crowding thick and fast around the head of her weak and unfortunate father; and these ominous circumstances at the time of her birth proved but too sad a presage of her future career. The princess received at the font the name of her grandmother, Eleanora of Aquitaine, and she inherited the beauty of person and ardour of disposition of this gay queen of Henry II. Eleanora was scarcely a year old, when the death of her father, King John, in 1216, left her an orphan; and the abandonment of the royal children, by the queenmother, shortly afterwards, deprived her also of maternal surveillance in her education. Small, however, was the modicum of learning which was considered sufficient for females even of the highest rank, when the business of their life was the endless labour of..