1366-1394

Bohemian queen who popularized the sidesaddle in England. The wife of the English king Richard II and daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, Queen Anne was an arbiter of fashion during her time and, as such, was emulated by others. The sidesaddle, in addition to its practical style, was a form of liberation, as it allowed gentlewomen to ride in a way that accommodated their dress, which was quite bulky and elaborate at that time. Multilingual, well educated, and charming, Anne was also instrumental in introducing the works of Christian reformer John Wycliffe to her native Bohemia and was an inspiration to the poet Chaucer.