The Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany

Eleanor the "Fair Maid of Brittany" was the daughter of Geoffrey Plantagenet and Constance, Duchess of Brittany. Born presumably in 1184. Upon the death of Richard "Lion Heart" King of England, a power struggle commenced between her brother Arthur, and King John of England. At the Battle of Mirabeau, Arthur, Eleanor and Arthur's knights were captured. Eleanor was imprisoned at Corfe Castle. Her brother Arthur was murdered.

Although she had a better claim to throne then the children of John, she was passed over, still captive, in favor of Henry III, John's son, who was crowned in 1216. Eleanor his elder first cousin was still alive.

She died in 1241, still a prisoner, forgotten by everyone except her attendants.

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