The marriage treaty was concluded immediately and on the following day, May 23, 1200 at Portsmouth Hampshire, eleven-year-old Blanche married twelve-year-old Louis VIII. She embarked on a regent's life that would occupy her energies for the next 52 years. The marriage, arranged by John of England, Blanche's uncle, was politically motivated and sparked a brief truce in the ongoing struggles between England and France over French territories. Blanche and Louis produced numerous children, accounts vary from eleven to fourteen. The first three did not survive to adulthood, placing the fourth child, Louis IX, in line to ascend the throne upon his father's death.
During Louis VIII's short reign, Blanche confined her activities to the education and upbringing of her children. She was especially careful of the education of her favorite son, Louis. She was a stern Christian and taught him to be pious and devoted to the services of the church. His training was demanding and she required that he hear all daily prayers said by the monks and to listen to sermons on feast days.
Goal of Unification
Early in her life in France, Blanche set a goal of French unification. She believed that progress was being made by the victory over the English and her cousin Otto of Brunswick, at Bouvines (1214).
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