Isabella of France, also known as the “She-Wolf of France,” is a notable figure in English history for her role in the overthrow of her husband, King Edward II.
Isabella was born in France in 1295 and was married to Edward II in 1308 when she was just 12 years old.
Despite their marriage, their relationship was strained with Edward II’s favoritism towards his male companions causing further tension.
In 1325, Isabella was sent to France to negotiate peace between her husband and her brother, Charles IV, the King of France.
While in France, Isabella met and began an affair with Roger Mortimer, an exiled English nobleman who had fled to France after falling out of favor with Edward II.
Together, Isabella and Mortimer plotted to overthrow Edward II and place their son, Edward III, on the throne.
In 1326, Isabella and Mortimer invaded England with an army, and Edward II was forced to abdicate in favor of his son.
Isabella of France: Early Life and Marriage
Isabella of France was born in 1292 to Philip IV of France and Joan I of Navarre. She was the youngest surviving child of the couple and was known for her beauty and intelligence.
Being born into the royal family, Isabella was raised in luxury and received an excellent education.
At the age of 12, Isabella was married to Edward II of England in Boulogne, northern France, on 25 January 1308. The marriage was arranged as part of a political alliance between the two countries.
Edward was 23 years old at the time of the marriage.
As Queen Consort of England, Isabella was expected to perform her duties with grace and dignity. She was known for her beauty and charm, and was admired by many.
However, her relationship with Edward II was strained, and she was often left to deal with the affairs of state on her own.
Isabella’s life as Queen Consort was not without its challenges. She faced opposition from the English nobility, who resented her French background and her influence over the king.
In addition, her husband was known for his infidelity and his preference for male companions, which put a strain on their marriage.
Despite these challenges, Isabella remained committed to her role as Queen Consort, and worked tirelessly to promote the interests of England and France. Her intelligence and political savvy made her a valuable asset to both countries, and she was respected by many.
The Rise of the She-Wolf: Power and Influence
Isabella, who had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her husband’s rule, saw in Mortimer a potential ally in her quest for power.
Mortimer and Isabella began plotting to overthrow Edward II and put their son, Edward III, on the throne.
Isabella used her diplomatic skills to secure the support of various European powers, including France and the Holy Roman Empire, while Mortimer raised an army and invaded England.
Isabella and Mortimer’s invasion was successful, and they quickly gained control of England. However, their rule was not without opposition.
The Despensers, a powerful noble family who had been close to Edward II, resisted their rule and attempted to regain power.
Isabella and Mortimer responded by launching a campaign against the Despensers, which culminated in the execution of Hugh Despenser the Younger. This act cemented Isabella and Mortimer’s power and sent a message to their opponents that they would not tolerate any challenges to their rule.
Mobilizing Rebellion
Isabella and Mortimer’s rule was not without its challenges, and they faced several rebellions during their time in power. However, Isabella’s political savvy and Mortimer’s military prowess allowed them to suppress these rebellions and maintain their grip on the throne.
Isabella’s rebellion against Edward II and subsequent rise to power marked a significant shift in English history. She was the first English queen to take an active role in politics, and her success paved the way for other powerful women to follow in her footsteps.
The Coup: Overthrowing King Edward II
Isabella of France, the wife of King Edward II, had grown increasingly frustrated with her husband’s incompetence and his favoritism towards his male companions, particularly Hugh Despenser.
In 1325, Isabella traveled to France to negotiate a peace settlement between her husband and her brother, King Charles IV. However, while in France, Isabella met with Roger Mortimer, a powerful lord who had been exiled by Edward II.
Together, they began plotting to overthrow the king.
In September 1326, Isabella and Mortimer landed in England with a mercenary army, and quickly gained support from disaffected nobles who were unhappy with Edward’s rule. They marched towards London, where they were greeted as liberators by the city’s inhabitants.
Edward II, who had fled to Wales with his army, was captured by Isabella’s forces in November 1326.
He was taken to Kenilworth Castle, where he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Edward III. Isabella and Mortimer became the de facto rulers of England, with Isabella acting as regent for her young son.
Regency and Rule
Isabella and Mortimer ruled England with an iron fist, purging the government of Edward II’s supporters and executing those who resisted their authority. However, their rule was unpopular, and they faced several rebellions, including one led by Edward III himself.
In 1330, Edward III, who had come of age, launched a successful coup against Isabella and Mortimer. Mortimer was executed, and Isabella was placed under house arrest for the remainder of her life.
The coup led by Isabella of France and Roger Mortimer marked a turning point in English history, as it was the first time a king had been deposed in England. It also set the stage for the civil war that would later break out between the supporters of Edward III and those of his rival, Edward Balliol.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Following the successful coup against her husband, King Edward II, Isabella of France became one of the most powerful women in England.
She ruled as regent for her son, King Edward III, until he reached adulthood. During this time, Isabella played a crucial role in shaping the policies of the English government and in guiding the young king.
Despite her significant contributions to the realm, Isabella’s reputation was tarnished by her role in the coup against her husband. She was often referred to as the “She-Wolf of France,” a derogatory nickname that emphasized her supposed cruelty and ambition.
After her retirement from public life, Isabella spent her remaining years in England. She died in 1358 and was buried in the Franciscan church at Newgate in London.
Add Comment