Philippa de Coucy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philippa de Coucy
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| Countess of Oxford & Duchess of Ireland | |
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| Born | bef. 18 April 1367 Eltham Palace |
| Died | 24 September 1411: (aged about 44) |
| Noble family | Coucy |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Father | Enguerrand VII, Lord of Coucy |
| Mother | Isabella of England |
Philippa de Coucy was an important noblewoman in medieval England. She was born before April 18, 1367. Philippa was a first cousin to King Richard II of England. She was married to Robert de Vere, who was a close friend of King Richard II. In 1378, Philippa was honored by becoming a Lady of the Garter. She passed away on September 24, 1411, when she was about 44 years old.
Philippa's Early Life
Philippa was born at Eltham Palace just before April 18, 1367. She was the younger daughter of Enguerrand VII, Lord of Coucy. Her mother was Isabella, who was the oldest daughter of King Edward III of England. Philippa was named after her grandmother, Philippa of Hainault. In 1371, when she was only four years old, she was promised in marriage to Robert de Vere. Robert was five years older than Philippa and was already the Earl of Oxford.
Her Marriage to Robert de Vere
Philippa and Robert de Vere were married on October 5, 1376. They did not have any children together. Like her mother, Isabella, Philippa was given the special title of a Lady of the Garter. Her husband, Robert, quickly became a favorite of the young King Richard II.
Divorce and Later Life
In 1387, Robert de Vere decided to end his marriage to Philippa. Pope Urban VI allowed him to get a divorce. Robert de Vere wanted to marry another lady, Agnes de Launcekrona, who was a lady-in-waiting to King Richard II's queen. This decision caused a lot of upset throughout the kingdom. Philippa's powerful royal uncles were very angry about this. Even Robert's own mother, Maud de Ufford, supported Philippa. She welcomed Philippa into her home, saying she loved Philippa like her own daughter.
Philippa continued to be known as the Countess of Oxford and Duchess of Ireland. Soon after, in 1388, Robert de Vere lost his power and was sent away to Louvain in Brabant. On October 17, 1389, the Pope later said the divorce wasn't valid. Robert de Vere died in 1392 while he was out hunting. Philippa later served King Richard II's second wife, Isabella of Valois. She went with Isabella back to France after King Richard died in 1400. Philippa died in England on September 24, 1411, at about 44 years old.
