Isabella de Braose facts for kids
Isabella, Princess of Wales and Lady of Snowdon (born around 1222 – died around 1248) was an important figure in Welsh history. She was the oldest daughter of William de Braose, a powerful lord, and his wife Eva Marshal. Isabella married Dafydd II, who became the Prince of Wales. They did not have any children.
Isabella's Marriage to Prince Dafydd
Isabella's marriage was a big event for political reasons. Her father, William de Braose, was a very strong baron in the Welsh Marches, which were border lands between Wales and England. In 1228, Llywelyn, the Prince of Gwynedd (a Welsh kingdom), captured William in a battle.
To be set free, William de Braose had to agree to three main things:
- He had to pay a large sum of money, £2,000.
- He promised never to fight against Prince Llywelyn again.
- He agreed that his oldest daughter, Isabella, would marry Llywelyn's son and heir, Dafydd. As part of the marriage agreement, Isabella would bring the lordship and castle of Builth as her dowry. A dowry was property or money a bride brought to her marriage.
William was released in 1229 after agreeing to these terms. This marriage was meant to create a strong friendship between the Welsh princes and the powerful Braose family. It would help protect the southern borders of Llywelyn's lands.
However, a difficult situation arose between Llywelyn and William de Braose. Despite this problem, Llywelyn still wanted the marriage to happen because it was very important for his kingdom. Isabella married Dafydd, who would later become the Prince of Wales, in 1230.
Life as Princess of Wales
After Llywelyn the Great died in 1240, Dafydd became the new ruler of Gwynedd. He was recognized as the Prince of Wales by his uncle, King Henry III of England. Isabella was now the Princess of Wales.
Isabella and Dafydd did not have any children. Her dowry, the lordship and castle of Builth, became a point of disagreement with the English king. In 1247, through a peace agreement called the Treaty of Woodstock, Builth was given to the English crown.
However, Isabella still inherited other important properties from her mother. These included the castle of Haverfordwest, and lands in Caerleon and Glamorgan. She also inherited livestock and other goods as the widow of Prince Dafydd, according to Welsh law.
