One of feudal Europe's most colourful characters will be the focus of a public lecture at Bristol University on April 9. Called Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Media: the Making of a Reputation, the lecture will be given by Dr Richard Barber, one of the world's foremost writers and publishers on medieval history and literature.

The lecture will take place during a three-day meeting at the University involving leading experts from the US and Europe. They will be sharing their knowledge of southern French literature and society between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Sponsored by the Colston Research Society and supported by the University's Centre for Medieval Studies, the meeting will anticipate the 800th anniversary in 2004 of the death of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Queen Eleanor wielded immense power in her own right and was married to Louis VII of France and then to Henry II of England. She was the mother of both Richard the Lionheart and King John.

Dr Marcus Bull, who is co-organising the events with Dr Catherine Leglu, said: 'Given its historical connections with southern France, its present-day cultural and academic links with Bordeaux and the University's lively research community in medieval studies, Bristol is a natural location for these events.'

The lecture is at 6.45 pm in the Wills Memorial Building in Park Row and admission is free.