Isabel le Despenser, Countess of Arundel facts for kids

Isabel le Despenser (born 1312) was an English noblewoman from a powerful family. She was the oldest daughter of Hugh le Despenser the Younger, who was a close friend and advisor to King Edward II of England. Her mother was Eleanor de Clare. Eleanor was the daughter of Joan of Acre, a princess of England. This made Isabel a great-granddaughter of King Edward I.

Isabel's Early Marriage

Isabel was married when she was very young. On 9 February 1321, she married Richard FitzAlan. He was the future Earl of Arundel. Isabel was only eight years old, and Richard was seven. This marriage was important for political reasons. Richard's father, Edmund FitzAlan, 9th Earl of Arundel, supported King Edward II. Marrying his son to the daughter of the King's favorite advisor seemed like a smart move.

Annulment of Marriage and Her Son

Isabel and Richard had one son named Edmund FitzAlan. He was born in 1329. In 1331, Isabel's husband Richard became the Earl of Arundel. However, their marriage was later ended. On 4 December 1344, Richard had the marriage annulled. This means it was declared invalid, as if it never happened. Richard claimed he had not truly agreed to the marriage when he was a child.

After the annulment, Isabel moved to several estates in Essex. These lands were given to her by her former husband. She lived there for the rest of her life.

What Happened to Isabel's Son, Edmund?

Edmund FitzAlan was Isabel and Richard's only child. He was supposed to inherit the title of Earl of Arundel. But when his parents' marriage was annulled, Edmund was no longer considered the rightful heir.

Edmund married Lady Sybil de Montacute. He became a knight in 1352. He owned many estates in different parts of England. Edmund also served the king. In 1364, he went to Flanders for the king. In 1368, he carried a message from the Pope to King Edward III.

Edmund fought in battles in France during the Hundred Years' War. He fought under the command of Edward the Black Prince. When his father died in 1376, Edmund had disagreements with his half-siblings. These were the children from his father's second marriage. They argued over who would inherit the family's wealth. Edmund was even held in the Tower of London for a time. He was released in 1377. Despite his efforts, he lost his inheritance. Edmund died sometime before February 1382. He and Lady Sybil had three daughters.

Isabel's Family After Her Father's Execution

Isabel's father, Hugh le Despenser the Younger, was executed in 1326. He was accused of treason. After his death, many of his family members faced difficulties. Isabel and her youngest sister, Elizabeth, were the only daughters who were not sent to live in nunneries. Isabel was already married, which protected her. Elizabeth was very young, which also helped her avoid this fate.