Isabella of Scotland, Duchess of Brittany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isabella of Scotland |
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| Duchess consort of Brittany | |
| Tenure | 30 October 1442–18 July 1450 |
| Born | Autumn, 1426 |
| Died | 13 October 1494/5 March 1499 |
| Burial | Vannes Cathedral |
| Spouse | Francis I, Duke of Brittany |
| Issue | Margaret, Duchess of Brittany Marie, Viscountess of Rohan |
| House | Stewart |
| Father | James I of Scotland |
| Mother | Joan Beaufort |
Isabella Stewart (born in autumn 1426 – died between 1494 and 1499) was a Scottish princess. She became the Duchess of Brittany when she married Francis I, Duke of Brittany. She was also known as Isabel. Isabella was the second daughter of King James I of Scotland and Queen Joan Beaufort.
Life as a Duchess
People said Isabella was more beautiful than her older sister, Margaret. Margaret had married the future King of France. John V, Duke of Brittany wanted to marry Isabella. He sent people to Scotland to describe her.
They reported that Isabella was "handsome, upright and graceful." But they also said she seemed "simple." The Duke replied, "My friends, bring her here. She is all I desire."
The marriage agreement was signed on July 19, 1441. But the wedding did not happen because Duke John V died in August 1442.
Isabella then married John V's oldest son, Francis I, Duke of Brittany. They were married at the Château d'Auray on October 30, 1442. After the wedding, the whole court went to Rennes for eight days of parties. As a wedding gift, her husband gave her a special book. It was an illuminated Book of Hours known as the Hours of Isabella Stuart.
Life After Her Husband's Death
Isabella's husband, Francis I, died in 1450. There were talks about her marrying Charles, Prince of Viana. He was the heir to the Kingdom of Navarre. But this marriage did not happen. The King of France, Charles VII of France, did not approve.
Isabella's brother, James II of Scotland, wanted her to return to Scotland. He hoped to arrange another marriage for her there. However, Isabella refused to go back. She said she was happy and popular in Brittany. She also claimed she was too weak to travel. She complained that her brother had never paid her dowry (a payment from the bride's family).
Isabella died sometime between 1494 and 1499. This suggests that her claims of being too sick to travel 40 years earlier might have been exaggerated.
Her Children
Isabella and Francis I had two daughters:
- Margaret of Brittany (1443–1469): She married Francis II, Duke of Brittany.
- Marie of Brittany (1444–1506): She married John II, viscount of Rohan and count of Porhoët.
