Historicising Philippa of Lancaster

This chapter focuses on the historical significance of Philippa of Lancaster, discussing her background, marriage to João I of Portugal, role as queen and educator and impact on Portuguese history and contemporary culture. It delves into the historicising of Philippa and portrayal in various sources, while addressing the academic and popular reception of Philippa in recent years. The chapter further analyses how Philippa’s representation as a perfect queen developed, the political intent and purpose behind it and to what extent she conformed to the expectations of her time. It examines Portuguese official chronicles, including the ones by Fernão Lopes, highlighting her exemplary conduct, religious devotion and diplomatic skills. The narrative structure and literary devices used by Lopes to construct Philippa’s character as an icon of the perfect queen are examined, drawing parallels with the ideals prescribed in King Alfonso X of Castile’s Las siete partidas. In all, Philippa of Lancaster has come down in history as an iconic queen who symbolised promise, stability and achievement in a new age for Portugal.