English royalty, Queen consort of King John. She was the only daughter of Aymer Taillefer, count of Angouleme and Alix de Courtenay. Isabelle was renowned for her beauty, and is sometimes called the "Helen" of the middle ages. She was betrothed to Hugh IX de Lusignan when John chose her to be his second wife. They were married on August 24, 1200, at Bordeaux, when she was only about 12. The marriage was probably not a very happy one, as Isabelle had a fiery character to match John's and the age difference was considerable. They had five children, including the heir, the future Henry III. As a result of the marriage, King Philip II of France confiscated all of John's French lands, and an armed conflict ensued. King John died in 1216, and the young widow returned to France. She married Hugh X de Lusignan, count de la March, the son of her former betrothed. They had 11 children. Isabelle was accused of plotting against the French king in 1244, and fled to Fontevrault Abbey, where she died at the age of about 60.
English royalty, Queen consort of King John. She was the only daughter of Aymer Taillefer, count of Angouleme and Alix de Courtenay. Isabelle was renowned for her beauty, and is sometimes called the "Helen" of the middle ages. She was betrothed to Hugh IX de Lusignan when John chose her to be his second wife. They were married on August 24, 1200, at Bordeaux, when she was only about 12. The marriage was probably not a very happy one, as Isabelle had a fiery character to match John's and the age difference was considerable. They had five children, including the heir, the future Henry III. As a result of the marriage, King Philip II of France confiscated all of John's French lands, and an armed conflict ensued. King John died in 1216, and the young widow returned to France. She married Hugh X de Lusignan, count de la March, the son of her former betrothed. They had 11 children. Isabelle was accused of plotting against the French king in 1244, and fled to Fontevrault Abbey, where she died at the age of about 60.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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