Isabella of Scotland, Countess of Norfolk facts for kids

Isabella of Scotland was a princess born in 1195. She was also known as Isobel or Isabel. Her father was William the Lion, the King of Scotland. Her mother was Ermengarde de Beaumont. Isabella belonged to the House of Dunkeld royal family. When she married, she became the Countess of Norfolk.

Isabella's Early Life

Isabella was born in 1195. She was the second of four children in her family. Her older sister was Margaret. Her younger brother became Alexander II of Scotland, the King of Scotland. Her younger sister was Marjorie. Isabella also had many half-brothers and sisters.

Her father, King William, had fought with Henry II of England and his son John of England. Because of this, in 1209, King William had to send Isabella and Margaret to England. They were held at Corfe Castle. Another royal lady, Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany, was also held there. Isabella was only 14 years old when she became a hostage.

In June 1213, King John sent nice clothes to the three royal ladies. They sometimes got to ride horses, but always with strict guards.

Isabella's Marriage and Family

When Isabella was released, she had to marry an English nobleman. His name was Roger Bigod, 4th Earl of Norfolk. All of Isabella's sisters married English nobles. Her brother, Alexander, married Princess Joan, who was King John's daughter.

Roger Bigod was about 14 years younger than Isabella. They married in May 1225. Henry III of England gave Isabella property when she married. Roger became a ward (like a guardian) of Isabella's brother, King Alexander. He stayed in this role until 1228.

Isabella was second in line to the Scottish throne. This was after her older sister Margaret. But in 1227, Margaret had a daughter, who then became second in line. By 1241, Isabella was fourth in line. This happened after her nephew, Prince Alexander, was born.

Roger and Isabella did not have any children. In 1245, Roger tried to end their marriage. He said they were too closely related. But in 1253, a church court made him take Isabella back. A writer named Matthew Paris wrote about this. He called her "the daughter of the King of Scotland."

Later Life and Legacy

We do not know exactly when Isabella died. She was living in Gloucestershire in October 1263. There is no mention of her after this date. She was buried at the Church of the Black Friars in London. Roger, her husband, died in 1270. Their nephew, Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, took over his title.

By 1290, the direct family line of King William the Lion ended. This means none of his children or their children had heirs. This led to a big problem in Scotland called the Succession crisis. Many people wanted to become the next king.