Agnes Sorel was beyond beautiful. When the King of France, Charles VII first laid eyes on her in 1444, he was struck dumb by her stunning good looks. With golden hair, large blue eyes, and a striking figure, Charles absolutely had to have her. He was already married, of course, to the queen, Marie of Anjou, with whom he had 14 children. But, depressed and melancholy, beat down by the sorry state of his floundering country, most agreed that Agnes was good for Charles. She soon claimed the title of first officially recognized royal mistress. Though often scandalous and scantily clad, Agnes was also incredibly intelligent and kind. With Agnes by his side, Charles VII changed the course of the kingdom, reclaiming territory lost to England, and ending the hundred years war with a French victory. Some historians place Agnes in the same realm of influence as Joan of Arc, savior of France. But not everyone was a fan. When Agnes Sorel died in 1450 at the age of 28, the official cause of death was dysentery. The symptoms fit well enough anyway. But, did you know, forensic testing after her body was exhumed in 2005 actually suggests murder? Let’s fix that. 

Sources:

• Crime Reads "Poisoning Agnes Sorel"
• Vice "The Untold Story of a Legendarily Topless Mistress Who Saved France"
• Brooklyn Museum "Agnes Sorel"
• UFHealth "Mercury Poisoning"

Support the show! 

• Buy Me a Coffee
• Venmo @Shea-LaFountaine

Shoot me a message!

Support the show