The Medieval Kings & Queens of Curlanie

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“We sing of thee, Curlanie, of your beauty and bounty. Of your great meadows and sweet perfume. Of the fertile valleys and forests abundant...”
– Jean Chaumont de Carigny, 14th century Curlan troubadour.

MONARCHS OF CURLANIE




Pierre-Arnaut (r. 1066)
Born: 20 February 1026, Palace of Ombrière, Bordeaux; Crowned: 14 March 1066, Basilica of Saint Severinus; Died: 16 September 1066, near Poitiers; Buried: 20 September 1066, Basilica of Saint Severinus
Married: c. 1064, Isabeau, daughter of Francis, Baron of Fronsac: 1 child
Titles: King of Curlanie (from 1066), Duke of Curlanie (until 1066), Duke of Gascony & Count of Poitiou


Isabeau (r. 1066)
Born: 9 January 1050, Palace of Ombrière, Bordeaux; Crowned: 19 June 1067, Basilica of Saint Severinus
Married: 20 May 1067, Benedict, son of Sven II, King of Denmark
Titles: Queen of Curlanie, Duchess of Gascony & Countess of Poitou

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Chapter I: The Early Reign of Queen Isabeau I - A New Era in Western Europe (1066 - 1078)

Curlanie in 1066​

The 16th of September, 1066, marked a remarkable turning point in the history of Western Europe. With the demise of the reigning king, his 16-year-old daughter, Isabeau, assumed the throne. On the 20th of May, 1067, Queen Isabeau solidified a potent alliance when she married the charismatic Prince Benedict Svendson of Denmark. Benedict, renowned for his charm, towering stature, and distinguished good looks, earned the moniker "the Fair." It was said that Isabeau was instantly smitten with him, her heart captured by his enchanting demeanor.

Queen Isabeau and her consort, Benedict of Denmark.
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In the early days of her reign, Queen Isabeau exhibited a profound understanding of politics and showmanship. In 1068, she hosted a grand tournament in honor of her marriage and the impending arrival of their first child. The spectacle was attended by foreign dukes and kings, many of whom sought the hand of the future heir presumptive. The subsequent birth of a daughter, also named Isabeau, on the 21st of June ignited joy and excitement among the attendees.

By June 1069, the Queen commissioned a history of her family, tracing their lineage back to the legendary Swan Knight, reputed to be the founder of the de Coucigne royal dynasty. This initiative offered the royal family a potent symbol of their heritage and bestowed a sense of awe and reverence among their subjects.

The queen's reign was further marked by the birth of her daughters Blanche in 1069 and Constance in 1073. Each event was heralded as a joyous occasion, reinforcing her beloved status.

In the spring of 1074, Queen Isabeau embarked on a grand kingdom tour. During this journey, she gave birth to her first son, Philippe de Comminges, named after his maternal grandmother. While the Queen was in Comminges, Philippe's birth offered an added layer of connection with the county. After her return from the tour on the 28th of April, 1076, the queen gave birth to her second son, Gaston. The advent of another male heir filled the kingdom with even more jubilation.

In August 1077, the Queen achieved a significant political victory with the Treaty of Rennes. The two-year-old Duke Hayden of Brittany pledged fealty to the Curlan crown, strengthening the realm and ensuring its prosperity. In October of the same year, showcasing her devotion to religious piety, Queen Isabeau commissioned the foundation of a monastery in Medoc. This gesture underlined her spiritual commitment and desire to be seen as a benevolent and pious ruler. At Christmas Court that year, Queen Isabeau named Philippe the first Prince d'Armagnac, a title that would subsequently become an honorific for the heirs apparent to the Curlan throne.

In twelve short years, Queen Isabeau had transformed the kingdom's landscape and set the stage for a dynamic and powerful reign that would echo through the annals of Western Europe's history. She navigated the turbulent waters of the medieval era with finesse, demonstrating an unprecedented capacity for rule and leaving a legacy that would stand the test of time. Her reign, therefore, stands not only as a testament to her personal strengths but also as a reflection of the burgeoning power of women in the highest echelons of society.