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GIBlanche of Bourbon was only 14 when she married Peter of Castile, a political alliance meant to secure peace between France and Castile.
Within days of the wedding, Peter abandoned her and returned to María de Padilla, the woman he openly treated as his true wife.
To justify Blanche’s removal, Peter accused her of treason — a charge never proven and widely viewed by contemporaries as a pretext. Blanche was moved between isolated royal fortresses, kept under guard, and denied any formal trial. Despite repeated appeals from the French crown and the powerful Bourbon family, Peter refused to release her or publicly clear her name.
After years of confinement, Blanche died in 1361, around age 22. Officially, her death was attributed to illness. However, multiple medieval chroniclers reported persistent rumors that she was quietly killed on the king’s orders. No investigation followed. No one was punished.
Four years later, Peter himself was overthrown and killed by his half-brother Henry of Trastámara, who restored Blanche’s honor and recognized her as a wronged queen.
Justice, at last — but far too late for the girl whose crown became her prison. #BlancheOfBourbon #MedievalHistory #GirlHistory #HerStory
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