On top of a hill in the south of the Netherlands lie what remains of Castle Valkenburg. It was probably the birthplace of Beatrice of Falkenburg, who was born circa 1254 as the daughter of Theodoric II, Count of Falkenburg and Berta of Limburg.
Beatrice was just 15 years old when she became the wife of Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, a son of King John of England and Isabella of Angoulême. In 1257 he had been elected King of the Romans, making Beatrice Queen. She was his third wife, after Isabel Marshal and Sanchia of Provence.
She was still only 18 years old when she was widowed in 1272. She never remarried and led a low-profile life in England. She died five years later at the age of 23 on 17 October 1277. She was buried at Greyfriars in Oxford, where she most likely also had Richard’s heart buried.
The ruins at Valkenburg are absolutely gorgeous. They are fun to walk around and there are plenty of signs and information is available. They’ve even attempted somewhat of a logical walking route around the ruins, which can reached by lift or stairs. There’s even a restaurant attached to the entrance side. I believe it cost me €5,- for just the ruins, you can also buy a ticket for €10,- that also includes the caves. You can walk the distance between the ruins and Valkenburg train station.
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