Philippa of Hainault facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Philippa of Hainault
Queen Consort of England
Philippa's coronation
Tenure	24 January 1328 – 15 August 1369
Coronation	18 February 1330
Born	1310–1315 Valenciennes, County of Hainaut, Holy Roman Empire
Died	15 August 1369 (aged c. 56) Windsor Castle, Kingdom of England
Burial	9 January 1370 Westminster Abbey
Spouse	Edward III, King of England ​ (m. 1328)​
Issue more...	Edward, the Black Prince Isabella, Countess of Bedford Lionel, Duke of Clarence John, Duke of Lancaster Edmund, Duke of York Mary, Duchess of Brittany Margaret, Countess of Pembroke Thomas, Duke of Gloucester
House	Avesnes
Father	William I, Count of Hainault
Mother	Joan of Valois

Philippa of Hainault was an important Queen of England. She was married to King Edward III and was his trusted adviser. She even ruled England for a short time in 1346 when the King was away fighting in the Hundred Years' War.

Philippa was the daughter of Count William of Hainaut and Joan of Valois. She married Edward in 1328, after he became King of England. Philippa helped King Edward improve England's trade. She was also part of the successful Battle of Neville's Cross. She often joined her husband on trips to Scotland and France. People in England loved her because she was kind. For example, in 1347, she convinced the King to save the lives of the Burghers of Calais. Her popularity helped keep England peaceful during their long reign.

Early Life and Royal Marriage

Philippa of Hainault and her family seated under the canopy

Philippa was born in Valenciennes, in the Low Countries, around 1310 or 1315. She was one of eight children. Her parents were William I, Count of Hainaut and Joan of Valois, Countess of Hainaut. Her mother, Joan, was the granddaughter of King Philip III of France.

King Edward II of England wanted to make an alliance with Flanders. He sent a bishop to Hainaut to meet Count William's daughters. The bishop was looking for a suitable bride for young Prince Edward.

Philippa grew up in a region that was becoming a big trading center. This meant she learned a lot about money and negotiations.

In 1326, Isabella of France, the Queen of England, visited Hainaut. She wanted Count William's help to remove her husband, Edward II, from the throne. Prince Edward came with his mother. While there, Isabella arranged for Philippa, who was 13, to marry Prince Edward. This marriage was part of the deal for Count William's help.

Because Philippa and Edward were second cousins, they needed special permission from the Pope. Pope John XXII sent this permission in September 1327. Philippa arrived in England in December, greeted by a big welcome in London.

Becoming Queen of England

Queen Philippa interceding for the Burghers of Calais by J.D. Penrose.

Half groat coin with King Edward III's portrait.

First Years as Queen

Philippa officially married Edward at York Minster on January 24, 1328. This was eleven months after Edward became King of England. At first, Edward's mother, Queen Isabella, and her partner, Roger Mortimer, were the real rulers.

After their wedding, Philippa and Edward lived at Woodstock Palace. Unlike some queens before her, Philippa did not upset the English people. She did not bring many foreign people to the English court.

Philippa supported the writer Jean Froissart. He described her as "The most gentle Queen, most liberal, and most courteous that ever was Queen in her days."

Philippa's coronation was delayed for two years. She was crowned queen on February 18, 1330, at Westminster Abbey. She was almost five months pregnant at the time. Her first son, Edward, the Black Prince, was born that June.

In October 1330, King Edward took full control of the kingdom. He ordered the arrest of Isabella's partner, Roger Mortimer, who was later executed. Queen Isabella was sent to Castle Rising, but later got back some of her freedom.

Philippa's Influence and Actions

Philippa was a great queen. She worked hard for the country and balanced her royal duties with her family life. People loved and respected her. She had a very successful marriage with Edward.

The Hundred Years' War cost a lot of money. Philippa wisely advised the King to focus on England's trade to help pay for the war. She helped start the textile industry in Norwich. She encouraged weavers from Flanders to move there. She also promoted coal mining in Tynedale.

In 1346, Philippa was chosen to rule England as regent. This happened while her husband was away fighting in the Hundred Years' War.

Military Campaigns and Compassion

As regent in 1346, Philippa faced a Scottish invasion. She gathered the English army and fought the Scots at the Battle of Neville's Cross near Durham. She rode among the soldiers before the battle, encouraging them. The English won, and the Scottish King David II was captured. He was held prisoner for eleven years.

Philippa also went with her husband on trips to Scotland and Europe during the early parts of the Hundred Years' War. She was known for her kind and caring nature. She is especially remembered for convincing her husband to spare the lives of the Burghers of Calais. The King had planned to execute them after his successful siege of the town.

Death and Legacy

Effigies of King Edward III and Queen Philippa of Hainault

Queen Philippa died on August 15, 1369, at Windsor Castle. She had an illness similar to swelling. Her state funeral was held on January 9, 1370. She was buried at Westminster Abbey. Her tomb was placed near her husband's grandparents, Edward I and Eleanor of Castile. Eight years later, Edward III died and was buried next to Philippa. Their marriage of forty years was considered a happy one.

The Queen's College, Oxford was founded in her honor by her chaplain, Robert de Eglesfield.

Royal Children

Philippa of Hainault's arms as Queen consort

Philippa and Edward had thirteen children. Five of their sons lived to be adults. Sadly, three of their children died from the Black Death in 1348. The many children and grandchildren of Philippa and Edward would later cause the long and bloody Wars of the Roses in the 15th century.

See also

In Spanish: Felipa de Henao para niños

• Counts of Hainaut family tree
• Counts of Holland family tree