Middle Age Ageism?

Looking at the effigies of Eleanor And Henry as I have done repeatedly over the last few days, there are a few thoughts that come to mind. First, Eleanor was a big boned woman. No petite little thing that needed protection. More like Serena Williams - which I guess fits given what she accomplished during her lifetime - her life was not for the faint of heart. She definitely does not fit with the medieval impression of women as dainty in need of rescue and protection from knights but then neither of those descriptions fits Eleanor. Eleanor lies with a book in her hands, apparently at her request to note for all that she was educated and supported writers. Her effigy is also noticable centimeters higher than Henry's-she can lord it over him through the ages-something possible to arrange when your spouse dies first. This brings me to the last observation. Henry was 56 when he died, Eleanor was 82. Their effigies make them look to be about the same age so I guess ageism was alive and well in the 12th century!

Same thing for Isabelle and Richard. Isabelle never knew her brother in law. He died at age 41 from an infected arrow wound. She was 11. Isabelle was 58 and like Eleanor has aged remarkably well.