Isabella of Angoulême

Isabella of Angoulême (c. 1187 – May 31, 1246) was countess of Angoulême and queen consort of England.

Related Topics:
1187 - May 31 - 1246 - Countess of Angoulême - Queen consort - England

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She was the only daughter and heir of Aymer Taillefer, Count of Angoulême, by Alix de Courtenay; her maternal great-grandfather was King Louis VI of France. She became Countess of Angoulême in her own right in 1202, by which time she was already queen of England. Her marriage to King John took place on August 24, 1200, at Bordeaux, a year after he annulled his first marriage. At the time of this marriage Isabella was aged about thirteen, and her beauty was renowned; she is sometimes called the "Helen" of the Middle Ages by historians.

Related Topics:
Aymer Taillefer - Count of Angoulême - Louis VI of France - Angoulême - 1202 - King John - August 24 - 1200 - Bordeaux

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It could not be said to have been a successful marriage, as Isabella was much younger than her husband and had a fiery character to match his. Before their marriage, she had been betrothed to Hugh IX of Lusignan, Count of La Marche. As a result of John's temerity in taking her as his second wife, King Philip II of France confiscated all his French lands, and armed conflict ensued.

Related Topics:
Hugh IX of Lusignan - Count of La Marche - Philip II of France

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When John died in 1216, Isabella was still in her twenties. She returned to France and in 1220 proceeded to marry Hugh X of Lusignan, Count of La Marche, the son of her former fiancé.

Related Topics:
1216 - France - 1220 - Hugh X of Lusignan

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Isabella was accused of plotting against the French king in 1244; she fled to Fontevrault Abbey, where she died on May 31, 1246, and was buried there. Afterwards most of her many children, having few prospects in France, set sail for England and the court of their half-brother King Henry.

Related Topics:
1244 - Fontevrault Abbey

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