Genevieve Simone Christiane Buchanon de la Rochelle

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Genevieve Simone Christiane Buchanon de La Rochelle

Genevieve was born in 1185 in the commune of La Rochelle, in the province of Poitiers. The location of La Rochelle, on the Atlantic Ocean, made the city very wealthy. Isle de Re, located just out of the harbour, attracted the knights Templar, who built a stronghold and added greatly to the cities wealth.

Genevieve was born inside the great wall where her family made their money as salt merchants. Trade was good, to her family, and their interests went as far as Greece, Italy, England and Germany. Things really took off, for her family, when Alexandre Affredi’s fleet returned from Africa and La Rochelle realised that there was a good market, for trade, outside of the continent. Her father diversified and soon the family was extremely wealthy. Genevieve was educated in reading, writing and math as well as music. Her family’s wealth insured her a very good marriage. At the age of 18 she was married to Martin Buchannon, a business partner of her fathers, who’s royal connections had him appointed as one of the 24 regional magistrates for La Rochelle. This put Genevieve in a position to become acquainted with some of the most influential and powerful people of her time. In this circle she also became immersed in the art and troubadour culture. She had two sons before Martin died, leaving her a widow at the age of 24. Genevieve spent her time insuring the education and good fortune on her sons and was rewarded by their great success and several grandchildren.

Now, at the age of fourty five, Genevieve enjoys a life devoted to her family, and her many pursuits, these include patronage of the arts and seeing to the needs of the poor of her city. She donates time and goods to St Barthelemy’s hospital. She is one of many wealthy patrons to this hospital for the poor and sick.