Was Eleanor of Aquitaine My Ancestor? Applying the GPS across 30 Generations

Tracing one’s ancestry back through the centuries is a feat in itself, but applying the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) across thirty generations to link modern-day descendants to a medieval queen is nothing short of extraordinary. In her webinar Was Eleanor of Aquitaine My Ancestor? Applying the GPS Across 30 Generations, professional genealogist Yvette Hoitink takes viewers on a journey from contemporary Dutch records all the way back to the twelfth century, where Eleanor of Aquitaine reigned as both Queen of France and Queen of England. Through this ambitious case study, Hoitink not only illustrates the possibilities of rigorous methodology in medieval genealogy but also demonstrates how persistence, education, and creativity can overcome daunting historical gaps.

• Step-by-step verification with the GPS: Hoitink emphasizes the importance of proving each parent-child link one generation at a time, using a variety of records—from civil registration and church registers to charters and heraldic evidence. This incremental approach prevents shaky assumptions and provides a strong foundation for extending research into more complex medieval contexts.

• Overcoming historical and methodological challenges: The presentation showcases the unique obstacles of medieval research: privacy laws in modern records, gaps in early sources, records written in Latin, Middle Dutch, or Middle French, and the scarcity of maternal references in chronicles. Hoitink’s solution was a combination of meticulous analysis, wide reading, and acquiring advanced skills in paleography, heraldry, and diplomatics through a master’s program—demonstrating that lifelong learning is often essential to break through difficult genealogical barriers.

• Discoveries that reshape family history: Along the way, Hoitink uncovered fascinating documents, such as a seventeenth-century receipt for a wedding dress and medieval seals that signified illegitimacy. Her work also corrected earlier hypotheses about key ancestors, proving connections that others had only speculated upon. Ultimately, she was able to establish a documented line from her Dutch ancestors through the Counts of Brabant and Flanders back to Marie of France, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine, with an estimated 79% probability of biological descent.

This webinar is  also an inspiring reminder that remarkable connections lie hidden in the past, waiting to be uncovered with the right tools and dedication. Hoitink’s project provides a model for how genealogists at any level can approach complex problems: one generation at a time, guided by standards, and supported by community and education.

To fully appreciate the depth of Hoitink’s research—and to see her examples of original charters, chronicles, and illuminated manuscripts—viewing the complete webinar is highly recommended. The accompanying syllabus includes references, resources, and links that will help genealogists refine their own skills and explore whether their family lines might one day connect to royalty as well.