Though Berengaria of Navarre (c.1160–1230) had few opportunities to make her mark as Queen of England, she proved a capable and determined ruler in Le Mans. Her story reveals a strong-willed survivor who was more than Richard the Lionheart’s wife.

Berengaria, princess of Navarre

Berengaria of Navarre was the daughter of King Sancho VI of Navarre and Sancha of Castile. The exact date of her birth is unknown, but it likely occurred in the 1160s, based on the birthdates of her siblings.

Little is known of her early life, though she likely received a religious education. In 1185, her name appeared in a charter confirming land holdings by Navarrese ecclesiastics and nobles. At the time, she was living in the town of Monreal.

This charter may have served to display her status and capabilities as a potential diplomatic and landholding partner, or perhaps she was residing in the local monastery and engaged in religious patronage.

Marriage came soon for Berengaria. Negotiations for her union with King Richard I of England took place between 1187 and 1188.

Berengaria and Eleanor’s journey to Cyprus

Berengaria set out for Sicily in the company of her formidable future mother-in-law, Eleanor of Aquitaine, as Richard prepared to depart on crusade. The journey, and a charter witnessed along the way, marked her entry onto the international and diplomatic stage.

In 1191, they arrived in Sicily. Eleanor returned to England, while Berengaria continued her journey alongside her future sister-in-law, Queen Joanna of Sicily.

When the two women landed in Cyprus, the island’s ruler, Isaac Komnenos, attempted to take them hostage. But Berengaria and Joanna cleverly delayed, promising to disembark the next day, buying time until Richard arrived. Once reunited, Berengaria of Navarre and Richard were married on May 12, 1191, in Limassol.

Who was Richard the Lionheart’s wife? England’s distant queen

What sort of queen was Richard the Lionheart’s wife? Berengaria thus became Queen of England, despite not having set foot in the country. Her role during the crusade seems to have been limited. While women contributed to crusading efforts in a variety of ways, financing, diplomacy and even fighting, Berengaria appears to have focused on running her household far from the battlefield.

She and Joanna returned from the Holy Land in 1193. In Rome, they witnessed a loan agreement and successfully convinced the Bishop of Porto to act as guarantor. This event shows that, when given the opportunity, Berengaria was able to assert herself as a royal figure.

Unfortunately, her time as queen gave her few such opportunities. Richard showed little interest in the match, and it is unclear whether they ever saw each other again after the crusade. Her absence from his second coronation in England further limited her visibility and authority as queen.

She was, however, present at Richard’s funeral in 1199. But since their relationship had been distant, reports of her grief should be viewed with some skepticism.

Lord of le Mans: Berengaria rise to power and governance

Berengaria now found herself in a precarious position, widowed, childless, without strong political allies or substantial resources. She had to fight for her rights as queen dowager and repeatedly petitioned Richard’s brother, King John, for her dower income.

In 1204, with no intercessor to support her, Berengaria took matters into her own hands. She reached an agreement with King Philip II of France, trading some of her Norman dower lands for lordship over the city of Le Mans. This deal granted her independence, income, and power.

Berengaria of Navarre became Domina Cenomannis. The term Domina is better translated as “female lord” than merely “lady.” She was not an exception: her rule fits into a broader pattern of female lordship in the medieval world.

In Le Mans, Berengaria exercised her authority. She negotiated with kings, popes, and local powers, building a strong network of alliances. She proved to be a capable and respected ruler, holding her own against ecclesiastical authorities and participating actively in the city’s judicial and administrative affairs.

She also continued her fight for dower revenues, traveling to England in 1220. Though only partially successful, King Henry III granted her only part of what she was owed, her persistence was notable.

Berengaria was deeply invested in religious patronage. She maintained close ties with the papacy and vigorously protected the chapter of Saint-Pierre-de-la-Cour. Most importantly, she founded the Abbey of L’Épau, a project designed to secure her legacy.

Berengaria of Navarre died in 1230. She was buried at the abbey she had founded. She remains known in local memory as “La reine Bérengère.”

Berengaria’s tomb and funeral effigy

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Further reading about Berengaria of Navarre

Storey Gabrielle,  Berengaria of Navarre, Queen of England, Lord of Le Mans

Storey Gabrielle, “Berengaria of Navarre and Joanna of Sicily as crusading queens: Manipulation, reputation, and agency”, Forgotten queens in Early Medieval and Modern Europe

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