Royal Woman, Feudal Woman: Joan of Acre: 1272-1307

The book will discuss the life of Joan of Acre,daughter of King Edward I of England. Joan was usedin the arrangement of marriage alliances to enhanceEdward?s sphere of influence. When her first husband,an important nobleman, Gilbert de Clare, died, Joanmaintained the estate since the couple shared controlof the Clare lands. She recognized her newfoundpower and influence and refused to be a politicalplayer once again in her father?s machinations. Joanshows that the idea of women as the brides of Christor as the instrument of the devil was not asclear-cut for women of the upper nobility as it firstappears to be. In fact, it may not hold true forupper noblewomen at all. Joan?s story also shedslight on medieval marriage, widowhood, and how womenfunctioned within the feudal system.