1292 - 22 Aug 1358
BIRTH: 1292, Paris
DEATH: 22 Aug 1358, Castle Rising, Norfolk, England
BURIAL: Grey Friars, Church, London, England
Father: Philippe IV "le Bel" King of France 1285-1314
Mother: Jeanne I Queen of Navarre, Comtesse de Champagne *Queen to Edward II of England.*
She was known as Isabella the Fair, and later as the She-Wolf of France. Isabella was the daughter of King Philip IV of France (d.1314) and Joanna of Navarre. Her aunt Marguerite was married to Edward I King of England, and she had been promised as the bride of Edward's son - Edward II. She was married in Boulogne in 1308 to King Edward II of England. Isabella then left France for her new life in England. When she landed at Dover she was met by Piers Gaveston, to whom Edward had entrusted the "care" of England. It was here that she first noticed the unnatural relations between Edward and Gaveston.Edward had given Peirs jewerlry that had been given to Isabella from her father as a wedding gift. Isabella immediately wrote to her father but there was really nothing he could do - she just had to put up with it. Edward increasingly antagonised the English nobles over his choice of "friends" and at such times Isabella acted as a mediator between Edward and the barons. Isabella also accompanied Edward when he went warring with Scotland - she was almost captured. Her near escape and her mediation skills made her extremely popular. Isabella very soon gave birth to a son, Edward III in 1312 at Windsor; another son (1314) and a daughter (1316). However, Edward was becoming unpopular. Gaveston was banished to his native Guyenne in an attempt to free Edward from his grasp, but he was soon recalled. Edward by now had abandoned him, and Gaveston was tried and hanged. Replacing Gaveston were the Despensers (father and son) who were only after wealth and power. Lonely kids, especially heirs welcome anyone with signs of friendship-even if its false. Isabella by now had had enough. It was during the civil war, while awaiting the birth of her child in the Tower of London that she encountered Roger Mortimer, Lord of Chirk and his nephew Roger Mortimer - both imprisoned in Tower under sentance of death. The older Roger died, but the death sentanced was postponed on younger Roger, who then escaped to France, maybe even aided by Isabella. Her second brother Philip V was now King of France, her father and older brother had died (1314&16)).He then acted against Edward, confiscating Edward's French possessions. Isabella ostensibley went to France to act as a mediator between her brother and her husband. Once there, she requested that her 15 year old son Edward be sent to France to pledge allegiance to her brother the King. When young Edward arrived in France, Isabella announced that neither would be returning to England till the Despensers were banished. Edward wrote letters, referring to Isabella's evil behavior with Mortimer. On reading these letters the King of France refused to support support his sister - she had apparently convinced him she was an innocent victim in this matter. |  |
|
| |
***JUST A THOUGHT...***
Maybe if Edward II had been given more paternal affection while in his youth, he might not have turned homosexual, turning his love to Peirs Gaveston. Maybe then Isabella wouldn't feel uncomfortable around him, and maybe even learned to love him. They could have ruled together unstead of her murdering him and running off with Roger Mortimer. ____________________________________________________ 
This picture is very much embellished. The dress is to low cut opposed to those of Isabellas' time. The sleeves in the French middle ages, would flair at the cuffs. The colors are also way to vibrant.
____________________________________________________________  Isabella landed in England around 1326, with her son, her lover Roger Mortimer, Lord William of Hainault (father of Philippa of Hainault, future wife of her son Edward) and almost 3,000 men. Many flocked to her cause. Edward tried to escape, but was captured and sent to Kenilworth Castle. The Despensers were duly executed. Edward II was formally deposed and her son was acknowledge as Edward III. Mortimer and Isabella became Regents of England. Then followed the mysterious death of Edward II in Berkeley Castle. With her husband out of the way, Isabella arranged the marriage of Edward III to Philippa of Hainault. But by now her popularity waning - especially after the death of Edward. Edward III became of age and was now in command in 1327. He had Mortimer arrested and hanged. Isabella's wealth was confiscated and her income limited, and she was confined to Castle Rising (Norfolk) - no visitors were permitted. Here at Castle Rising Isabella was to remain for 31 years. It was during this confimnment that she was said to have become derranged (lammenting the loss of the power that she once held).And here Isabella died. Her body taken to Grey Friars and buried beside Mortimer. Soon after Edward III ascended to the throne of England , Charles IV, King of France died, leaving no direct heir. Edward III claimed throne of France through his mother Isabella as the dead King's sister - and so began what is known as the Hundred Years' War. | |
 | |
|
