Alienor's Legacy - Wales Day One

I'm going Queen Hunting once again.

But this time, it's for Aliénor, the second sister.

Through the life of her son, Edward I.

Last August, we went on a road trip, looking for traces of Marguérite, the eldest sister, in the heart land of France.

I didn't find a lot...though a ton about her husband Louis IX, who would become Saint Louis.

I doubt I'll find much of Aliénor here, either - but I'm trusting it will help me explore her relationship with her son. She was all about FAMILY. Especially this eldest son.

DAY ONE.

Our roadtrip for August 2026.

Why Wales?

It's COOLER than the south of France (and anywhere in France)(anywhere in continental Europe?).

And the LEGACY of one of my four queens - Aliénor, queen of England.

Arrived yesterday - 70 degrees! Even with sun. And sun is great news in Wales.

CONWY: staying in a wonderful "Downtown Cottage," right in the medieval town.

When I first looked at Wales, I was drawn to the castles. Wales has the most per square mile of anywhere in the British Isles.

Aliénor's son Edward I - "Longshanks" - built many of the most impressive fortresses. The four up north, where we are, is known as the Iron Ring.

Today, I woke up with a realization, which led to a question:

What do you do, as a writer, when your "heroes" are aggressors, oppressors, conquerors?

MAKE THEM UNDERSTANDABLE. If not always likable...(kind of like ourselves, right?)

Wish me luck with that. I'll keep you posted.

On to Day Two!