Blanche of Castille
Blanche of Castille
Born 1188; died Nov. 26 or 27, 1252. French queen.
Between 1226 and 1236, Blanche of Castille was regent during the minority of her son, Louis IX (king from 1226–70). She also ruled France while Louis IX was away on the Seventh Crusade from 1248 to 1252. In 1229 she concluded the Peace of Paris, which ended the Albigensian Wars. Blanche of Castille fought successfully against rebellious feudal lords, who were supported on a number of occasions by the English king.