Isabella, Duchess of Lorraine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isabella |
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| Duchess of Lorraine | |
| Reign | 25 January 1431 - 28 February 1453 |
| Predecessor | Charles II |
| Successor | John II |
| Queen consort of Naples | |
| Tenure | 2 February 1435 - 2 June 1442 |
| Born | 1400 France |
| Died | 28 February 1453 (aged 53) France |
| Spouse | René of Anjou |
| Issue Detail |
John II, Duke of Lorraine Louis of Anjou Yolande de Bar Margaret, Queen of England |
| House | Ardennes-Metz |
| Father | Charles II, Duke of Lorraine |
| Mother | Margaret of the Palatinate |
Isabella (born 1400 – died 28 February 1453) was an important ruler in the 15th century. She was the ruling Duchess of Lorraine from 1431 until her death in 1453. This means she inherited the title and ruled in her own right. She also became Queen of Naples because she was married to René of Anjou. Isabella even acted as a regent (a temporary ruler) for the Kingdom of Naples and her husband's lands in France. She did this when her husband was held prisoner between 1435 and 1438.
Contents
Early Life and Marriage
Isabella was the oldest daughter of Charles II, Duke of Lorraine and Margaret of the Palatinate. Her brothers passed away, so by 1410, it was clear she would inherit Lorraine. She received a very good education. People described her as beautiful, smart, and brave. She was also known for being careful and making tough choices when things were difficult.
On October 24, 1420, she married René of Anjou. Their marriage contract was very important. It said that Isabella would inherit Lorraine. René would inherit other lands like Bar and Pont-à-Mousson. Their future child would inherit all these lands, bringing them together.
Becoming a Duchess and Queen
On January 25, 1431, Isabella became Duchess of Lorraine after her father died. She ruled Lorraine together with her husband. This was common for female rulers at that time. However, her cousin, Antoine de Vaudémont, challenged her right to rule. He captured René in a battle and had him imprisoned.
Isabella bravely led an army to try and free her husband. She managed to get a ceasefire, which is a temporary stop to fighting. On April 24, 1434, the Emperor officially recognized her right to rule Lorraine.
In November 1434, while still in prison, René inherited more lands. These included Anjou, Provence, and Maine. He also became the heir to the throne of Naples. On February 2, 1435, he inherited the throne of Naples. René then asked Isabella to be his general governor (a top leader) until he was released. People from Naples also asked her to come and rule as regent until her husband could arrive.
Isabella traveled to Naples with her son Louis and a fleet of ships. Records show she arrived in Naples on October 15, 1435. As regent of Naples, she had to deal with Alfonso of Aragon, who also wanted the throne. She received military help from the Pope.
Later Life and Legacy
René was finally released from prison in 1437. He arrived in Naples in May 1438 to take over the rule from Isabella. Isabella and Louis returned to Lorraine in August 1440. Back in Lorraine, she finally defeated Antoine de Vaudémont on March 27, 1441.
When King Charles VII of France visited Nancy, Isabella and her ladies-in-waiting introduced him to Agnès Sorel. Agnes soon became a very influential person in the king's life.
In July 1445, Isabella made her son John the governor general of Lorraine. She then retired to her home in Saumur. Isabella passed away on February 28, 1453, at 53 years old. Her son John became the new Duke of Lorraine. She was buried in Angers Cathedral.
Children
Isabella and René had several children:
- John II (1424 – 1470): He became Duke of Lorraine and King of Naples. He married Marie de Bourbon and had children.
- Louis (1427 – 1444): He was Marquis of Pont-à-Mousson. When he was five, he was sent as a hostage to Dijon to help free his father. Louis died in prison from pneumonia.
- Nicholas (1428 – 1430): He was Yolande's twin.
- Yolande (1428 – 1483): She married Frederick II of Lorraine. She was the mother of Duke René II of Lorraine.
- Margaret (1430 – 1482): She married King Henry VI of England. They had one son, Edward of Westminster, Prince of Wales.
- Charles (1431 – 1432): He was Count of Guise.
- Isabelle (died young).
- René (died young).
- Louise (1436 – 1438).
- Anne (1437 – 1450).
See also
In Spanish: Isabel de Lorena para niños
