Henry's personal habits reinforce the book's picture of a ruler who does not rely on courtly polish. He repairs torn clothing instead of replacing it and expects companions to accept bread while traveling. An austere and erratic royal progress might have driven a less experienced partner to remain at a palace, but Eleanor had already ridden across Anatolia during the Second Crusade. She keeps pace and establishes her own position in the marriage, even though she cannot dominate Henry as she had Louis VII.
Notable Point · 20:02-20:45
Henry II's austere progress and Eleanor's endurance
Henry's rough clothing, plain travel food, and erratic royal progress fail to sideline Eleanor, whose crusading experience helps her establish an independent position in the marriage.