Isabel de Warenne facts for kids

Isabel de Warenne, Countess of Arundel (born around 1228 – died 23 November 1282) was an important English noblewoman. She became a widow when she was about 17 years old. She inherited a large amount of land and money. With her wealth, she started a special religious community for women called a Cistercian convent. This was the only Cistercian convent for women in England when it was founded. In 1252, she bravely spoke up to King Henry III because he owed her money.

Isabel's Early Life

Isabel was born sometime between 1226 and 1230. Her father was William de Warenne, who was the 5th Earl of Surrey. Her mother was Maud Marshal, Countess of Norfolk. Both of her parents had been married before and had lost their first partners. They married each other in 1225.

Isabel also had a younger brother, John de Warenne, who was born in 1231. Through her grandfather, Hamelin Plantagenet, Isabel was a cousin to King Henry III. Hamelin was the half-brother of King Henry II.

Her First Marriage

In 1234, when Isabel was between eight and 12 years old, she married Hugh d’Aubigny, who was the 5th Earl of Arundel. After their marriage, the couple moved to Marham in Norfolk. Isabel's father had given them a manor, which was a large estate, that brought in £40 in rent each year.

Becoming a Widow

Hugh d’Aubigny died on 7 May 1243. By this time, Isabel's father and uncles had also passed away. This left Isabel as a teenage widow with a significant amount of wealth. Even though the Arundel estates were divided among Hugh’s sisters, Isabel kept the title "Countess of Arundel."

Choosing Not to Remarry

On 29 May 1243, King Henry III suggested that Isabel marry Pierre de Genevre, one of the King's favorite people. However, Isabel chose not to remarry. Official records show that she was allowed to stay unmarried if she wished. To do this, she had to pay a sum of money to Pierre to be released from the marriage proposal.

Founding a Convent

Isabel became a supporter of religious groups. In 1249, she used some of her land in Norfolk to found Marham Abbey. This was a special place for women who wanted to live a religious life. It was the only Cistercian convent for women in England when it was first built. In 1252, Isabel visited the Cistercian Abbey at Waverley. She talked with the abbot, who was the head of the abbey, and gave the monks some money and a barrel of wine.

Standing Up to the King

In 1252, a man named Thomas Ingoldsthorpe died. King Henry III took control of Thomas's lands. However, Thomas had been a tenant of Isabel's, meaning he rented land from her. He owed her a payment called a "knight's fee." So, Isabel asked the King to pay her what was owed.

King Henry refused to pay. Isabel then went directly to the King and complained about his actions. She suggested that he was ignoring the Magna Carta, which was an important document that limited the King's power. After speaking her mind, she left the King's court without his permission. A year later, King Henry paid back the debt. He also forgave the fine she had been charged for complaining. He only asked that she "says nothing opprobrious to us as she did when we were at Westminster." This meant he wanted her to avoid saying anything disrespectful to him again.

Isabel de Warenne died before 23 November 1282 and was buried at Marham Abbey.

See also

In Spanish: Isabel de Warenne, condesa de Arundel para niños