Women's courts

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Queen Alysanne overseeing one of her Women's courts, as depicted by Douglas Wheatley in Fire & Blood.

The Women's courts as they became known occurred during the reign of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and were presided over by his sister-wife, Queen Alysanne Targaryen. The courts started in 51 AC at the town of Duskendale when the young King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne made their first progress throughout the realm. While touring the Crownlands, Alysanne whenever arriving at a new town, city, or castle, would oversee her women's courts. Only women and girls, were welcome to these audiences; highborn or low and were encouraged to speak freely and openly to the young queen, sharing their hopes, fears and concerns.[1]

In 58 AC while visiting the North, Alysanne held her courts in White Harbour, Winterfell and even in a brothel in Mole's Town when visiting the Wall. Following their return to King's Landing, Alysanne brought to Jaehaerys's attention the stories she had heard in her women's courts during the progress, concerning the right to the first night. As a result, Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the first night.[2][3]

References

  1. Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  2. The Sworn Sword.
  3. Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.