Isabella of France Parts One and Two

Isabella of France:

Part One

Starting this episode has been the most difficult thus far. If you’re offended by anything I’m about to say this probably isn’t the series for you, see yourself out. You’ll be hearing this on the 1st of August at 2022 at the earliest, but I started writing on the 25th of June, in Australia, which was the 24th in the US, the day the Supreme Court of the US overturned Roe v Wade. I’m a dual American-Australian citizen, raised in the US as my accent may indicate. My parents, my three sisters, and my sister-in-law, along with my best friend, countless other friends, and over 150 million women all live in the US. Today their basic human rights were taken away. The marriage of one of my sisters is a risk of being invalidated in coming months. Politics is fascinating, but what’s going on currently is a train wreck. If you’re listening to a history podcast about those who came close to ruling politics should fascinate you! This last series has been about women, women who were interesting, and whose lives mattered. Their rights were ignored and their claims were passed over, and here we are 650 plus years later just letting it happen again. Please stand up with women now, stand up for our rights, because this group of morally questionable conservatives will not stop with this, they will take all they can until the world is moulded into a stone-age image. I don’t take advice from Odin or Zeus, anymore that I should take it from the bible. No one should want to live in a theocracy. Not when we know we can have a better world. Protest, strike, unionise, vote, choose where you spend your money (money equals a voice according to this backwards court) wisely if you can. Today’s subject, Isabella died more than 650 years ago. I can’t begin to guess what she would think of this decision, but I do know how she would respond if she felt as strongly as I do. I can’t raise an army, but I can add my voice to one. 

With that, please enjoy this week’s episode. 

Isabella of France is probably one of the best known of the subjects featured on this show. Sadly I’m pretty sure that’s due to the highly inaccurate portrayal of her in Braveheart. A nuanced woman who inspired military leaders, negotiated for political support, and lead an army to overthrow her husband after having been a faithful and supportive wife for a decade and a half is often diluted to a pretty woman willing to use her looks and body to get what she wanted. Her intelligence, strategic thinking, and ability to network are glossed over. She had been raised by two loving parents, and had a good relationship with her older brothers. No one could doubt that was what she thought she would be getting herself when she married the dashing, tall, fit, and handsome young king of England. Sadly, her dream was not be, and when what she cared about was taken she decided to use her wit and take matters into her own hands, securing the rule of her son and her safety along with it. 

Isabella of France was likely born in 1295. This date is based on her next older sibling, Charle V’s being born in June of 1294 and her having reached twelve before her wedding in 1308. Oh, yes, we’ve got a very young child bride again. She was the youngest child and only surviving daughter of Philip the Fair and Joan I of Navarre. Isabella’s mother passed in 1305 when Isabella was at the most ten. Her parents had assured that she was highly educated and well raised in the expectations of a princess. Isabella, like her father and brothers is described as beautiful. While this is a common statement to be made about women in this time, I do believe in this family’s case it was the truth. Partially because her mother was not included in that description. Joan I of Navarre was called plain and plump in one of the most honest descriptions of a royal woman from this time. If a court writer is willing to put that on paper I’m sure he’s telling the truth about the rest of Philip’s family. 

Unlike the earlier subjects in this series Isabella had no expectation of ruling France. As we will see, everything she does when it comes to ruling is to secure her son’s reign and her own safety. She never made any moves to try to take the kingdom from her cousin following the deaths of all three of her brothers, but she never stood in her son’s way, at least not on that account.

Joan’s marriage arrangements, like those of her brothers, were made for political reasons. As I mentioned in Robert Curthose and Empress Matilda’s episodes the English crown owed homage for its French territories to the French king. While those territories had shrunk considerably since the time of Matilda, and only encompassed the Gascon region of Aquitaine, they were still a point of contention between the two crowns. As part of a peace treaty made between Edward I of England, sometimes referred to as Longshanks, and Philip the Fair in 1299 Edward I would marry Philip the Fair’s half-sister Margaret and they would arrange the marriage of Edward’s oldest son, the future Edward II to Isabella once she reached the canonical age for marriage of 12. The hope was the having two English brides would provide a reason to avoid war, kind of like hostages, but the bride gets to live with her jailer. 

At some point after the treaty was arranged Edward I tried to back out of the second marriage contract. He, obviously, couldn’t end his own marriage, which was highly successful, but he did think he could secure his son a more advantageous Spanish marriage. Before he could make final arrangements he died on his way to ‘hammer the Scots’ or at least try (Edward I’s self-anointed soubriquet was ‘Hammer of the Scots’ though his record in battle against them was closer to a draw than the name would suggest). Edward II finalised the arrangements with Philip the Fair and on 25th of January 1308 Isabella and Edward married in Boulogne. Edward was 24, Isabella was 12. Edward was tall, like his father, physically fit intelligent, well educated, and apparently rather funny, it’s surprising when considering how he is portrayed in popular culture. They should have made the perfect ruling couple, two intellectually gifted, learned people who should have led together, but there was one thing or person standing in their way. Piers Galveston (I’ll be using his first name to reflect the familiar nature between him and the royal family). Piers had been a member of Edward’s household since at least 1300 and his closest friend since 1306. Piers had been granted the wardship of Roger Mortimer in 1304 by Edward I upon Edward II’s request. There are suggestions, likely correct, that Piers and Edward were lovers. Their romantic or sexual feelings for each other though, aren’t what impact Isabella’s life (surprisingly) nor England. It’s instead, Piers’ complete control of Edward’s political decisions that has the greatest impact on our story. Edward was completely entranced by his favourite, to the point of losing reason. And this would have a huge impact on all three of their lives.

Isabella’s introduction to England should have been perfect, and it almost was. She was the daughter of a powerful king, joining another powerful family. Her half-aunt was the dowager queen and would be there to guide her in her new role, her two uncles had accompanied her to make sure her affairs were arraigned. The only problem with her entrée, was Piers. He had arranged a, rightfully, extravagant coronation banquet with amazing entertainment, well designed set and all the richness a queen deserved. Sadly, it appears that Piers forgot the party was for the queen and not himself. His arms were displayed with Edwards instead of Isabella’s, he sat in her place next to her husband, he was the best dressed of all those in attendance. Her uncles, Charles of Valois, and Louis of Evreaux (the father’s of the future Philip VI of France and Philip the Wise of Navarre respectively) were enraged by this slight to their niece. Treating her poorly was an insult to France! They were also angered that Edward II had not properly invested Isabella in her dower lands. While her father had given her 20,000 livres as a wedding gift, that was for her enjoyment. Edward was to provide for her needs and hasn’t yet. A woman’s dowery was her financial protection. It would maintain her household, dress her, and pay for her needs and charitable distributions. Her uncles would have known they couldn’t stay in England forever to look after her (Charles probably needed to get back to planning the poisonings of all of his nephews and great-nephews or plotting his failed election as Holy Roman Emperor. Just for those who still think Charles was going around poisoning his family members do any of you think Piers wouldn’t have been first on his list? This on its own makes me think the Charles wasn’t sneaking around poisoning anyone). Her finances needed to be arranged, but Edward II delayed. He even gave her wedding gifts from her father to Piers. 

Isabella’s uncles would surely have reported the slights their niece received to her father. Philip the Fair was a proud man, rightly so, his kingdom was one of the greatest in Europe. Hearing of his daughter’s treatment would have enraged him; as I’ve mentioned in earlier episodes Philip and his children were very close and supportive of each other (but oddly not each other’s children), this can be further seen with Philip and his brothers. Louis of Evraux was Philip the Fair and Charles of Valois half-brother. Louis’ mother had been accused of poisoning one of her step-sons and wasn’t always the kindest to her husband’s older children. Despite this, and their political differences, the brothers were each other’s supporters. Philip the Fair would also have heard from his half-sister, Edward I’s widow, Margaret of France, that Piers was deeply unpopular among the English nobility. Philip the Fair did what any powerful father would have done when his youngest child was treated poorly. He used his power. He demanded that Edward II secure his daughter’s dower lands and that Piers be banished.

Edward II had both his nobles and his father-in-law (and liege lord, with regards to Gascony) calling for the removal if Piers. He gave in. What was Isabella doing throughout this process. Well, being a young teenager there wasn’t much she could do. If you remember back to Empress Matilda’s episodes queens were meant to do a few things, intercede to help their husband save face when he had been too harsh with rebels, endow religious institutions and assist the poor through charity, and most importantly, have children. Having children also gave a queen power, she had done her most important duty and would have a say in the raising of her children. A queen mother was often one of the biggest influences on her children. Thankfully for her health, Isabella hadn’t had any children. Obviously she was very young, but that hadn’t stoped other royal couples. Edward II own parents lost their first child, a stillborn girl, in 1255 when his mother was at the most 14. His parents were separated from each other, at least in the evenings, until his mother had a chance to mature physically. While young marriages were normal in the noble and royal families many couples waited to have children until the wife had grown up a bit. Because Isabella hadn’t had children she had very little power. 

After her father’s demands Piers was sent away and her lands and marriage settlement were arranged. Edward II had allowed Piers much control, most of it seems to have been used to enrich Piers and his family. While he acted as Edward II’s advisor he wasn’t politically astute. His elevation above others who thought him unworthy due to his ‘low’ birth was one problem, but his grasping nature and greed enraged them even more. With him gone the nobles were finally able to begin influencing Edward or so they thought. His barons wanted to reengage in war with Scotland. Edward managed to manipulate the situation in the only way his politics would let him. He allowed Piers to return while making his barons think they had control. He allowed a council of Ordainers (you may remember this type of group mentioned in the Simon de Montfort special episode) to take over control. In 1310 Edward decided leading his army to the Scottish border would be his way to win back control. He wanted his lover, and his kingdom. Isabella joined him, as did Piers. Edward’s goals were to protect Piers and to win glory on the battlefield. He went without support of the major nobles and leading military men of his kingdom. Facing off against the strength of Robert the Bruce’s well oiled guerrilla military was never going to end well. Bruce avoided meeting Edward in open battle. After eight months of being harried Edward returned to London with Isabella, leaving Piers behind as his lieutenant in Scotland. Isabella may have been hoping with Piers gone she would finally have her husband’s attention. As if to run his failures in Scotland in his face and remind Edward’s nobles how useless Piers was Bruce successfully attacked and raided northern England. Edward’s ordainers also put to him a list of 41 demands in 1311. Forty of those demands related exclusively to his public leadership, one related to his private relationship (it demanded the removal of Piers, again). His nobles (and in-laws) would probably have put up with Piers if Edward would do his job or even let them do it. Isabella seemed to have resigned herself to having Piers as part of her life. They were unlikely to have ever been friends, but she had found a way to live with his presence in her life, and as it turns out she wouldn’t have to put up with him for that long (spoilers). 

In 1312 two exciting things happened in Isabella’s life. The first was probably rather terrifying as well. Civil war broke out early in the year. Isabella stood by her husband and travelled with him and Piers to Scarborough Castle (Piers’ stronghold), which Piers fortified. Isabella and Edward travelled onto York. Piers was besieged in his castle and quickly surrendered to the earls of Surry and Pembroke. He had been promised safe escort by the earl of Pembroke. The besieging forces found a large store of gold and jewels in his castle. On their return to London for Piers to face charges of theft and violating the Ordinances of 1311 the earl of Pembroke left Piers under guard and visited his wife. During this time Piers was seized by Earl of Warwick. Piers was tried by an assembly of barons for his violation of the Ordinances and found guilty. He was executed on the 19th of June. While the trial was meant to be legal Edward saw it as illegitimate and did not take the news well. He swore vengeance, but would not be able to carry it out for years. The earls who executed Piers included Edward’s cousin (and Isabella’s maternal half-uncle) Thomas of Lancaster (the uncle Henry, 1st duke of Lancaster mentioned in Joan’s episode, yes, everyone is related). Edward’s anger towards his cousin would only end with Thomas’ death, but the king would bide his time. The second thing happened in November and was probably almost as terrifying while it was happening, but wonderful once it was over. On the 13th of November she gave birth to her first child, Edward of Windsor, the future Edward III. 

In 1313 the royal couple travelled to Paris. It was this trip that set in motion the Tour de Nelse affair. She gifted her brothers, Louis and Charles, and sisters-in-law, Margaret and Blanche, hand embroidered purses. The ones given to Margaret and Blanche would be seen, by Isabella, on two knights later in England. When searching the basics on this affair it will often be suggested that Isabella planned the entire affair as a scheme to have her infant son become king of England and France by eliminating her brother’s wives. This is absurd when considering the facts. Her oldest brother, Louis, the future Louis X, was only 24 and Charles was 17. Louis daughter had been born less than a year earlier and Charles hadn’t even had his first child. A conspiracy that could be thwarted by her brothers remarrying seems a bit beneath the intelligence of Isabella. She may only have been 16, but she wasn’t dumb. More likely Isabella was gifting her sisters-in-law lovely purses and once she realised that her sisters-in-law were betraying her brothers she wanted to protect her family’s honour. While visiting Paris Isabella took the cross, with the caveat that she would only need to go on crusade to accompany her husband. Yes, the daughter of the man who destroyed one of the greatest protectors of pilgrims to the holy land had taken the cross. The couple returned to England having secured Gascony and her family’s ongoing support. 

With Piers gone Isabella must have been hoping that Edward would have time to focus on governing and building their family. Edward decided it was time to finish something his father had died trying to do. He was going to ‘hammer the Scots’. Isabella accompanied Edward north to Berwick Castle. He left her on the 14th of June and expectations were high. But Isabella and England would be disappointed. Weeks later Edward rejoined Isabella. That lets him off too lightly, he had fled the field of battle, been turned away at the nearest castle, Stirling, since it was now under Scottish lordship based on the rules of war, and not stopped running until he reached the coast. The Battle of Bannuckburn would begin the process of assuring Scottish independence for 400 years. 

Isabella was left with a defeated husband who had very little power over his nobles. He was still broken emotionally, rightly, over the murder of his lover, and now he would have no easy way to punish those at fault. And things were about to get much worse. 1315 saw the start of the Great Famine. While Isabella wouldn’t have been directly impacts by the famine, her wealth and position protecting her from actual hunger, it made her husband’s reign even less secure. Her uncle, Thomas of Lancaster also took more control of the kingdom, further limiting her finances. Isabella gave birth to her second child, a son, John in 1316.

Between the birth of John and hers and Edward’s first daughter Eleanor in 1318, the couple had to deal with the embarrassment of a pretender claiming to be the true son of Edward I. Edward II would have this pretender, John of Powderham hanged. 

Edward and Thomas of Lancaster made peace, or at least pretended to, in August 1318 with Isabella’s assistance. The Treaty of Leake was the king and Lancaster put aside hostilities. In 1319 the king would lead his troops north the address the Scottish raiding that had gone unchecked since Bannockburn. Isabella had come north as far as York with her husband, as was the wifely thing to do. While waiting patiently to hear of her husbands wins against the Scots (I’m kidding, Robert the Bruce was not an easy opponent) she was warned that a Scottish party led by ‘The Black Douglas’ was nearing her location with plans to take her hostage. Isabella quickly fled to safety, but knowing one of the great Scottish generals of her day had almost captured her would have been terrifying. It showed her husband’s weakness, his wife wasn’t safe in their kingdom. Edward’s second attempt to subjugate the Scots or even protect English territory, didn’t go any better than the first. Edward agreed to a two year truce with Robert the Bruce, partially due to the loss of Thomas of Lancaster’s support (surprise) and partially to allow time for he and Isabella to travel to France. Listeners of the earlier shows in this series will know that Philip V was now king of France having usurped Joan II of Navarre. While he had been crowned in January of 1317, he hadn’t pushed for his brother in law to pay homage for Gascony at first. Edward hadn’t done so for Louis X, and had originally declined to do so for Philip V. However by 1319 Philip was secure enough in his rule to demand his brother-in-laws Homage. Edward was allowed to do so by proxy in 1319, but need to go in person in 1320. 

This would be the couple’s first visit since 1314. Their last visit had kicked off the Tour de Nesle Affair, this visit would be far less scandalous and allowed Isabella to visit with her  surviving brothers. The couple would ask for assistance from her brothers to help put a stop to the barons’ control in England, and they would need that help, at least Edward would. 

Before I continue with the story I will need to take a break. Any good or even mediocre writer (hi) will form a story in three acts. Isabella’s story though is way too much for one episode, she has more than three acts. We’ve already covered the first three: Her birth, marriage, and embarrassment by Piers, her finding her place within the royal court, before the final act with the death of Piers and her giving birth to the future king. Little would anyone know that the second film would be even more exciting.

Isabella Part Two:

Welcome back. Before starting today’s episode I want to apologise for not having the Simon de Montfort special episode ready. I have had two family emergencies over the last few weeks and I’ve only had the energy to focus on the main narrative. I have decided to include it as a special episode we I visit the early Plantagenets after the next mini-, or not so mini-series. More on that at the end of this episode. 

As we rejoin our story Isabella and Edward are returning the England from their 1321 visit to France. Where Edward had paid homage for his lands in Gascony. The couple had also asked for military assistance to help with their barons. 

Isabella hadn’t had to share her husband as much with a powerful favourite for the last few years (Edward hadn’t avoided favourites, they just weren’t as needy as Piers). However a new favourite had become part of Edwards life. While Edward’s previous favourites, Piers at the forefront, had been social climbers, his newest favourite was more a beast. Hugh Despenser the Younger was the son of Hugh Despenser the Elder (surprising, I know, but there are actually five Hughs in a row in this family). The Despenser family had been wealthy and involved in English politics since at least the 13th century. Just to cut in quickly, for even more information on the Desepenser family please listen to the special episode ‘Simon de Montfort’ if you’re listen in the future there is a special episode about Simon de Montfort available on Patreon, if you’re listening at the time of this episode’s release it’s coming soon. Hugh the Elder’s father, Hugh, 1st Baron Despenser, made a very big appearance in Simon de Montfort’s special episode and was one of the great supporters of royal reform during the reign of Edward’s grandfather Henry III. He was a revolutionary and a true statesman. His son and grandson however were a bit different. Hugh Despenser the Elder hadn’t fallen from grace along with his father thanks to his maternal grandfather, Philip Basset, who had remained loyal to Henry III. He had become a loyal advisor to Edward I. In addition to being traditionally conservative politically Hugh Despensers, both younger and elder, were wealthy men who wanted even more (satire, or not), and unlike Edward’s earlier favourite Piers Galvenston, they were political animals, or at least the younger was. As Helen Castor put it in ‘She Wolves’ ‘a menacing predator as opposed to Galveston’s distracting peacock’. Based on his family history, being the grandson of a traitor or hero depending on where you stand, and the son of one of Edward I’s advisors, it’s surprising that the younger Despenser wasn’t more politically astute or aware. His greed and lack of political savvy would lead to his and his benefactor’s downfall. Hugh Despensers was even less popular among Edward’s nobles than Piers had been. There are fewer suggestions that Hugh Despenser the Younger was Edward’s lover, but it is always a possibility, Edwards sexuality is far less important than what he lets his favourites get away with. It’s important to point out that Edward had at least one illegitimate child, so while it’s often unfair to make guesses on the sexuality of those long deceased many historians agree that he was likely bisexual. 

On Isabella and Edward’s return from France Edward’s favour towards Hugh the Younger became more blatant and public. Thomas of Lancaster, was, not surprisingly, unhappy about Edward’s new favourite. In addition Pier’s former ward, Roger Mortimer of Wigmore (more on him very soon, I will use ‘Mortimer’ to refer to him throughout this episode) and his uncle, Roger Mortimer deChirk (whom I will refer to a ‘deChirk’, unless I’m referring to both, in which case I will just say ‘the Mortimers’) and other Marcher lords were making noises against the Despenser’s land appropriations in the Welsh marches. For those who don’t know (because I didn’t until I was in my twenties, and I imagine many outside of the UK wouldn’t either), the Welsh March is the general area between Wales and England. The English, since the time of William the Bastard, had given the English portion to trusted and martial barons as a form of border defence. The Mortimer family had been Marcher lords since at least the 1090s. Hugh Despenser the Younger had, with royal support, taken Marcher lands that rightfully belong to the Mortimer family. The attempt the retake the lands that Despenser had appropriated begins the first phase of the Despenser War. 

Yes, England has had many civil wars that aren’t usually covered in regular history classes. The Despenser War is one of these. It’s classically divided into two phases the first from May-August of 1321 and the second (which I will cover in a moment) from October 1321 to March 1322. Im February 1321 the Mortimers, with the assistance of Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, and the other Marcher Lords set into action plans to attack the Despensers. Edward II, bringing his own army to face them made it clear that attacking his favourite or said favourite’s family would be attacking the king. Edward II asked for his lords to meet with him in Gloucester in May to come to an accord. the Marcher Lords, unsurprisingly declined. They attacked Newport, Cardiff, and Caerphilly and seized them with ease. The forces led by Mortimer then began marching to Pontefract to join Thomas of Lancaster for discussions of their aims and plans for this rebellion. Edward had returned to London in this time and began preparing for a potential siege. Mortimer marched his forces to London, and not surprisingly, the citizens refused to open the gates for him. As you may remember from Matilda’s episode, the citizens of London have a great deal of say in their city and can refuse to open their gates. Mortimer did the only thing he could, he put the city under siege. He was joined by Thomas of Lancaster in August. Even with the Despenser’s assistance the city could not hold out forever. The barons were also threatening to destroy royal property outside of this city. Yet, Edward II still refused to banish his favourites.

To prevent all out civic war in 1321 Isabella did the most queenly act (other than having children) and interceded on behalf of Edward’s barons (at least the ones not named Hugh). She appealed to her husband, publicly on her knees, giving him an excuse to, at least temporarily, banish his favourite without losing face. This was arranged by Aymer de Valence, the Earl of Pembroke, yes, the same earl who had been holding Piers Gaveston on his return to London before the extrajudicial trial by Thomas of Lancaster. 

With Hugh Despensers gone Isabella might have felt more secure. Edward would be able to focus on running England. Isabella had shown Edward a great deal of loyalty, she had shown the court her political acumen, and to the kingdom she would have seemed the perfect consort, her next act might show how ruthless she could be when needed. Much like the Tour de Nesle Affair there is a great deal of debate about how much knowledge Isabella had of Edward’s plans regarding the coming events. Either she was an unknowing pawn of Edwards or she was in on the plan from the start. 

In October of 1321, less than six months after delivering her youngest child Joan Isabella was on pilgrimage to Canterbury. She made a detour to Leeds Castle. This castle is not on the main pilgrimage route. Interestingly this castle should have been Isabella’s, it had been her aunt, Queen Margaret’s, but Edward had awarded it to Bartholomew Badlesmere in 1317. Bartholomew had been a loyal solider to both Edward I and Edward II since at least 1294. He had served as deputy Constable of England in 1310 and fought in the Battle of Bannockburn, he had at least 50 men in his retinue. He had even attended the funeral of Piers. But in later 1317 he began communicating with the less extreme faction in Edward II’s court who didn’t approve of Edward’s advisors (the Despensers), but did not have the same violent intent as Thomas of Lancaster, as part of his compact with this group he was instrumental in brokering a temporary peace between the king and his cousin in 1318. By 1321 though, Badlesmere was conspiring with Thomas of Lancaster due to the king continuing to ignore the counsel of his earls. Isabella requested entree to the castle, as was her right as queen. Badlesmere was not at the castle. He had ordered his wife, whom he left in control, not to allow anyone entrance. His wife followed his instructions well and rejected Isabella’s request. Isabella’s polite request became a demand that was again rejected. Isabella was taken aback, or at least pretended to be. She ordered her guard to gain entry. It was quickly apparent that would not happen, Baroness Badlesmere ordered her troops to fire on the queen’s guard (and by extension the queen). Two of Isabella’s men were killed before she withdrew. This was all Edward needed to begin war against his barons. How dare the queen be denied entry into any castle in his realm, and to imagine that she was even fired upon? This was the beginning of the second phase of the Despenser War. 

From Isabella point of view she was a great wife. Even if she wasn’t in on the conspiracy. She had stood by her husband through Piers, she had smoothed over issues with his liege lord, her father and brothers, she had just given him cases belt for war. She should have been her husband’s favourite person, but she could never compare to Hugh. Edward still missed Piers with all his heart and wanted revenge and his new favourite had been sent away. Edward marched on Leeds, leaving Isabella in charge, with the great seal, in London. Baroness Badlesmere surrendered the castle and was sent to the Tower of London. Edward hanged 13 defenders. 

In January 1322 the Despenser family returned from exile. By March the earl of Lancaster had been captured and executed, avenging Piers’ execution. Baron Badlesmere was captured and in April tried and executed for treason. His wife would eventually be released, she would live for another ten years. During the war Roger Mortimer was captured. He would escape a year later in a daring break-out that included spiking the drinks of his jailers and scaling castle walls. 

Multiple widows of those killed in the Despenser War were abused, and some of those women were Isabella’s friends, and worse was to come for her. Her husband and Hugh, the Younger, began campaigning in the north again, because it had gone so well previously. Again, Isabella followed her husband as a dutiful wife. Yet, again, while waiting for him she would find herself under threat from the Scots. Edward offered to send Hugh Despenser to rescue her. Having realised that he was her greatest enemy she rejected the offer and escaped on her own. This escape was messy to say the least. In making their escape by ship two of her ladies died, one from exposure, and the other from complications of premature labour. After heavy losses to the Scots Edward signed another truce with Robert the Bruce in 1323. Edward may have been motivated by more than just losing to Robert the Bruce (again). 

His brother-in-law, Charles, had succeeded Philip V in 1322, as discussed in Joan and Blanche’s shared episode. Using the same justification as his brother he had prevented his niece, Joan III of Burgundy from becoming queen. Charles, now Charles IV, wanted Edward II to pay homage for Gascony. Edward was in no position to leave England. Part of being a vassal meant not just paying homage in the literal sense of money and bowing to repeat words of allegiance, but actually consulting your liege lord on matters regarding the governing of your land in his country. Edward II was not good at taking advice from his own lords, let alone his superior, at least in France. He didn’t want to leave his favourite behind because that would put Hugh’s life in danger. He couldn’t take him to France because the French king would not allow it. In 1324 Charles the Fair, fed up with his brother-in-law’s lack of deference regarding the governing of Gascony, and his delay on paying homage invaded the duchy. Isabella’s uncle, Charles of Valois (not currently poisoning anyone) led is nephew’s troops, entertainingly also against his nephew, the English-Gascon forces were led by Edmund of Woodstock, Edward’s half brother, whose mother was Charles of Valois’ half sister (yes, everyone is related, Christmas was going to be super awkward in 1324). The War of Saint-Sardos would set Isabella on an unexpected course, from loyal wife willing to suffer through all manner of embarrassment to the She Wolf history knows her as. Anglo-French relations had been positive since Edward I’s marriage to Margaret of France 25 years earlier. With the French invasion of Gascony there was anti-French sentiment all over England. 

Isabella had given her husband everything he could want. Four children, a queen’s foremost duty, her support through him extracting his revenge, her discretion with his emotional and physical affairs. And how did he repay her loyalty? He punished her for being French. With the support of his barons and churchmen he decided that since she had been born in France she needed to be punished. Remember, she had lived in England for 16 years at this point, more than half her life. It had been her home since she was 12. Her children were English, the king’s half-brothers were her cousins. She had been a faithful wife and had never shown a single sign of betraying her husband. Her lands and therefore funds were taken from her and given to the Despensers. The French members of her household were deported and finally, the worst. Her younger children, John, Elenor, and Joan were taken from her and given into the care of Hugh Despenser the Younger’s wife. If Edward wanted to write an instruction manual on how to alienate your wife he couldn’t have done better. To make things even more cruel, all French subjects were ordered to be deported from England.

In 1325 Isabella used the ongoing argument between her husband and brother as an excuse to go to France. Her mission was diplomatic, she was sent to attempt peace negotiations with her brother. Due to the anti-French activities Charles had reason to negotiate with his sister. He wanted to protect his subjects abroad and probably wanted to do what he could to help his sister. 

Isabella’s entourage was chosen by Edward and the Despensers to be loyal to them and to watch the queen. She was able to meet with her brother and begin negotiations for him to remove his troops from Gascony. While Edward’s people were with her constantly she was still able to meet with anti-Despenser factionalists who had fled from England. Much like the Tour de Nesle affair and her attempt to gain entry into Leeds Castle its unknown when Isabella formed a plan or if she and those around her just took advantage of the situation. 

Like his brother and father Charles expected homage for Edward’s lands in France. As part of their negotiations Isabella was able to convince her brother to accept her husband’s homage if Edward came in person. Edward agreed to this, he needed to show some form of leadership since many of his nobles had lost faith in his kingship. The Despenser family was not in favour of Edward leaving England, while he was there they had power, but if he left they were well aware how venerable they were. After all Piers Galveston was executed without proper trial while supposedly under the king’s protection. Hugh Despenser the Younger’s hold over Edward was so strong that Edward was convinced not to go to France while at Dover preparing to embark. Charles still needed someone to pay homage, his sister couldn’t, he was the head of her birth family and at the end of the day she was just her husband’s representative and only a woman. There was one other option. Isabella and Edward’s oldest son, Edward of Windsor, was in Dover with his father, he could stand in as proxy for him. Isabella took full advantage of this offer, first, having her son with her would likely be a generally joyful experience, since she was by all accounts a loving mother. But, it would also give her a bargaining chip, if she controlled her son there was a possibility that she could protect her financial and political future in a way she hadn’t been able to since the Despensers came to power. Getting Edward of Windsor to France would make mother and son an easy rallying point for the disaffected and exiled nobility of England. There’s little doubt Charles was happy to help his sister get rid of the Despensers. They had taken her financial security, her younger children, and the anti-French sentiment they encouraged put her life in danger. The nuclear family of Philip the Fair may have shrunken considerably, but they were still close and deeply supportive of each other. 

With her son in her possession Isabella was in control for the first time in years. Edward expected their son to do his duty and then for the two of them to return quickly. Isabella had no intention of doing so. She was safe and had been planning with the anti-Despenser excites in France. Her brother was a rich man and he would have been insulted by her treatment both as her brother and a king. How dare his sister not be treated with the respect a child of the French royal family is due? Charles was willing to help pay for his sisters revenge, or at least loan her the money. She would need military support though, Charles wasn’t going to lead an army, at least not to England.  Roger Mortimer is often the only military leader mentioned when discussing Isabella, but she had a surprising supporter, Edmund of Woodstock, 1st earl of Kent. Edmund was the son of Edward I and his second wife Margaret of France, making him both Edward II’s half brother and Isabella and Charles’ cousin. He had been a loyal supporter to his brother, but could not continue allowing the Despensers to abuse the power of the throne. Edmund had been in Gascony as his brother’s lieutenant when Charles IV’s forces invaded. Once Isabella set her plans in motion her brother-in-law quickly came to her side. He didn’t fully trust Mortimer, but his disdain for the Despensers was stronger. 

Now is the time to quickly cover Roger Mortimer. Roger was 38 when he and Isabella began their invasion plans and their romantic relationship. His father had died when he was 17. Despite having been married for three years and being a father he was still considered underage. Well, at least underage enough for him to be declared the ward of Piers Galveston. Wardships are one of the many ways for nobles to make money. Underage heirs were ‘cared’ for by a noble and in return that noble received the income from their underage ward’s estates. He had been knighted by Edward I in 1306, and was given his full income and inheritance. After this he was sent to Ireland to put his lands under control. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1316 and won in battle against Edward Bruce, younger brother of Robert the Bruce. As I mentioned earlier he was captured as part of the Despenser War in 1322 and escaped the following year. He and Isabella came into contact early on in her time in France. It’s not known when their sexual relationship began, it is a little surprising that Isabella would take such a risk in having an affair after what had happened to her sister-in-law Margaret and Blanche. There is one statement from Isabella herself which does give some justification. From the Vita Edwardi Secundi ‘I feel that marriage is a joining together of a man and woman. Someone has come between my husband and myself…’ further ‘I will not return until this intruder is removed’ and ‘shall assume the robes of widowhood and mourning until I am avenged…’ By seeing herself as a widow she may have felt her affair wasn’t an affair. 

With Roger and Edmund as her military leaders Isabella just needed an army. Charles IV had given her funds, but it wasn’t enough for the army she would need. However, she did have a great bargaining chip with her, Edward of Windsor. He was 13, handsome and would be king of England someday. He hadn’t been formally betrothed and was therefore available fora marriage treaty. Joan of Valois was Isabella and Charles’ cousin (yes, everyone is related) through Charles of Valois. She was the countess of Hainaut and Holland as the wife of Count William I. She had been instrumental in reintroducing Isabella and Roger in France. Joan of Valois had an unmarried daughter, Philippa, close to Edward of Windsor’s age and wouldn’t be too upset being queen of England on day. Just a fun fact, Philippa of Hainaut is how the line of king Stephen rejoins the English royal house. As part of Philippa’s dowery Isabella would receive the funds she needed to raise a mercenary force. Joan of Valois’ husband, William, provided Isabella with eight ships. William also did his part keeping plans secret by detaining English agents. Isabella may not be the schemer fiction wants her to be but she was a brilliant strategist and negotiator. 

On the 22nd of September 1326 Isabella, Roger, Edmund, and their troops sailed for England. While Isabella made sure she had more than enough military power she ended up not needing many or even any of the mercenary troops she brought with her. After landing local troops began flocking to her, followed by Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk, Edward II’s half brother, and Henry of Lancaster brother to Thomas, the late earl of Lancaster. Edward and the Despensers were forced to flee London. In Bristol Isabella laid siege to the castle with Hugh Despenser the Elder inside. It fell on the 26th of October. Isabella received an amazing gift when it fell, hers daughters Eleanor and Joan. Isabella, surprisingly, tried to protect Hugh Despenser the Elder, but her uncle, Henry of Lancaster, and his forces executed him. Henry was sent with orders to arrest Edward and Hugh Despenser the Younger. The pair were seized on the 16th of November 1326, Edward was imprisoned. Hugh Despenser was executed on the 24th of November. There was further fallout of course, one side had won a war which means the loosing side would feel some pain.

Edward II was legally deposed and placed under house arrest. Edward III was crowned in January 1327, he was 14 and would rule for another 50 years, well sort of, for the time he was too young to rule so his mother and Roger acted as his regents. Legally it was his mother, but much like his father she was influenced by her romantic partner. Isabella and Roger used their position to enrich themselves personally. While some of this was taking back their respective properties expropriated by Edward and the Despensers some was just robbery. Edward and Philippa of Hainaut would marry in 1328.

There was, as one would expect, attempts to free Edward II. None were successful of course, but it became clear that Edward would eventually be freed if he remained alive. Not long after this Edward II was either murdered or died of natural causes, my money is on murder. Isabella had learned to play the game well, and made sure his body was displayed prominently and publicly for his subjects to visit and pay their respects. 

In 1330 a rumour was started that Edward II was still alive. Plans were hatched to try to ‘free’ the former king. This conspiracy was used by Isabella and Roger to entrap their former ally Edmund of Woodstock, who was executed for his part. The death of his uncle cause the young Edward III, who was 17 at this time, to question the control his mother and Roger had over him. He may have suspected them of Edward II’s death, but he knew Roger had seen to his uncle’s execution, even against the young king’s own wishes. This would lead to Roger’s downfall and a change in Isabella’s level of control. With the support of his wife and his closest group of friends (a few young knights who would go on to win glory and try to bring back chivalry during the coming Hundred Years War, Rex Factor fans will enjoy hearing that Manny was among this group), Edward over threw his guardians, Roger, was unsurprisingly executed. Isabella, as the kings mother though, would never be treated so poorly. She was kept under house arrest, comfortably, for two years. There are suggestions that she was emotionally distraught after Roger’s execution. Which is understandable, she had found a supportive partner who hadn’t taken her for granted. Her income was protected and she was able to spend time with her younger children. She and her youngest daughter Joan were reported to be exceptionally close. She became the prototypical dowager queen. Spending time with her grandchildren (Edward III and Philippa would provide her with five surviving grandsons and three serving granddaughters) , being active entertaining in court, using her influence in international diplomacy when needed. She was active in the church as one would expect. She entered the Poor Clares and took a nun’s habit just prior to her death. On the 22nd of August 1358 Isabella, dowager Queen of England died. She was either 72 or 73. She had been queen of England for 19 years before spending 31 years as queen mother.  

Analysis:

What I have loved with reading about Isabella is how much there is. She could have been a quiet queen, once her dowery had been paid she could have just been active in church, go to court, and intercede when needed. Instead she was an active queen, probably a bit more active that her husband expected. It’s important to remember that during this time (and for many to this day) money equals security. For a woman in this time, especially a foreign princess sent overseas to a wedding to a much older man, her money was the only thing protecting her at times. Unlike Matilda (interestingly her six times great grandmother, but only Edwards three times great grandmother, oh yes, everyone really is related), Isabella was ready and able to lead troops into battle. I’m sure she would have been kept somewhere safe if an actual battle had occurred. 

Isabella, unlike Joan II of Navarre and to a lesser extent Joan III of Burgundy and Blanche of France was never likely to be queen of France, even if she was theoretically in line. For her, just like her nieces, sexism played a role, but unlike them her foreignness to France would have played against her even more. By the time Philip the Fortunate became king in 1329 she had lived in England for 20 years, almost two thirds of her life. Plus, she had won the war that mattered to her, even if very little actual fighting had occurred. She had secured her son’s throne in England. Had she decided to push a claim in France i don’t doubt it would have been in her son’s name. 

I find it interesting that both she and Edward were influenced greatly by their extramarital partners. The big difference is that Isabella chose better than Edward, Roger was a much better politician that Piers or Hugh. His downfall was thinking he had more control than he actually did. Had he or Isabella thought more strategically about ruling they could have remained in power for even longer. I actually have no doubt that while Edward III did not have much of a choice when it came to executing Roger doing so was a mistake in at least one major way. Roger was a respected and able military leader, who would have been in a great position to support Edward III in the early stages of the Hundred Year’s War. Roger was only 43 when he died and could have led men for many more years while at the same time training the next generation. Edward III was kind to Roger’s son and heir, returning his family lands and title. Roger’s grandson, also named Roger, was one of Edward’s great generals and a member of the founding group of the Order of the Garter. Having survived everything I find it unsurprising that Isabella settled into the quiet life once her security was assured. 

One fun, final note on Salic Law. This ancient law played a critical role in this series. I find it interesting that Philip V used a law that both the Merovingians and Carolingians used, not in excluding women from royal power (since we know it’s a problem they really didn’t face or worry about), but in the distribution of royal lans. Remember, both earlier dynasties practiced partable inherence, which had only ended with Robert II, the second Capetian king. Centralisation of French royal lands had only started under Philip II in 1190. By using one part of Salic Law to justify his usurpation, Philip V was, theoretically, opening up his whole realm to division due to the actual inheritance laws codified in Salic Law. We know that this didn’t happen, but it’s another fun thought experiment, which is what this show is all about. 

I’ll be taking next week off, or at least there won’t be an episode next week. I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the start of the Hundred Years War and the resulting dynastic struggles in England, France, and surprisingly Spain. I hope you will join me in two weeks for the next mini-series, or in this case, not-so-mini series.