History's Heroes, History's Secret Heroes, BONUS: Eleanor of Aquitaine: Medieval Queen Supreme Part 2

History's Heroes

History's Secret Heroes

BONUS: Eleanor of Aquitaine: Medieval Queen Supreme Part 2

10 February 2026

28 minutes

Available for over a year

Alex von Tunzelmann meets Dr Eleanor Janega to discuss Eleanor of Aquitaine, the extraordinary medieval woman who became Queen of France, then Queen of England. Dr Janega is a broadcaster and historian who was named after the great queen. Looking at key moments in her life, Alex wants to better understand the queen’s real impact on history and, crucially, whether this medieval icon actually had agency.

Stories of bold voices, with brave ideas and the courage to stand alone. Historian Alex von Tunzelmann shines a light on remarkable people from across history.

A BBC Studios Audio production.

Producer: Suniti Somaiya

Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann

Executive Producer: Paul Smith

Commissioning editor for Radio 4: Rhian Roberts