Eleanor cover art

Eleanor

A 200-mile Walk in Search of England's Lost Queen

Preview
Try Standard free
Select 1 audiobook a month from our entire collection.
Listen to your selected audiobooks as long as you're a member.
Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Eleanor

By: Alice Loxton
Narrated by: Alice Loxton
Try Standard free

Auto-renews at $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

About this listen

An extraordinary journey that uncovers historical secrets about England's forgotten queen. From Alice Loxton, author of the acclaimed bestseller Eighteen.
'Loxton is the leading historian of her generation' – Dan Jones, bestselling author of The Templars

In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.

More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history's footsteps by walking the entire 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates.

As Alice journeys in search of England’s forgotten queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways. Lively and entertaining, Eleanor uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of this lesser-known royal, revealing her inspiring legacy and the hidden history of Britain.

'Loxton has the novelist's skill of seeing the world through her characters' eyes, and the historian's accuracy of vision' – Philippa Gregory, bestselling author of Normal Women

Editors Select Europe Medieval Royalty England Heartfelt

Editorial Review

A walk back in time
As a history enthusiast and someone who likes to get their listening in while walking, I knew historian Alice Loxton’s Eleanor was an immediate add-to-library for me. By walking the 200-mile funeral procession of Eleanor of Castile, Loxton crafts a history that is as engaging and insightful as it is easy to get lost in. Eleanor is a feat of storytelling that not only offers a look back at one of England’s lesser-known queens but also provides a fascinating take on how Britain and its countryside have evolved over the past seven centuries. Performed by Loxton herself, it’s an accessible and engaging listen that’ll transport you back in time. —Michael C., Audible Editor

All stars
Most relevant
Alice Loxton is truly one the great historians, this book is truly a joy to listen to, you have the bonus of Alice reading this exceptional book.
Alice takes you on a 200 mile walk through England, Exeptionly researched and written, a great book that I would. I hope highly recomend. I hope she takes another walk through a another part of England for a another book.

Tremendous Listen

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Medieval people certainly did not drink water out of the moat if they had one! Not if they wanted to survive. They did have wells but rarely drank any kind of water only small ales or wines.

Richard I (Lionheart) who died in 1199 was buried alongside his Father not his parents because his Mother outlived him .., she was buried there on her death in 1204.

So many blatant inaccuracies and the authors feeble attempts at being funny are not so funny,

The infantilisation of this walking history and twisting of historical fact are rather concerning.

Not recommended.

Medieval People and Facts

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.