In the historical context depicted in Alison Weir's "Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life," marital relationships were governed by strict rules regarding sexual conduct. Neither spouse had the power to impose or deny sexual relations, and numerous sexual behaviors were forbidden, including homosexuality, certain positions, and acts such as masturbation or oral sex. Violating these restrictions could lead to severe penance, highlighting the era's stringent moral expectations surrounding intimacy.

Moreover, there were specific times deemed inappropriate for sexual relations. Couples were discouraged from engaging in sexual activity on Sundays, holy days, or during significant periods like Lent, pregnancy, or menstruation, due to the belief that such acts could result in the birth of deformed children or other adverse outcomes. This reflects a society deeply intertwined with religious and moral codes that governed personal and sexual conduct.