Yolande of Dreux, Queen of Scotland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yolande of Dreux |
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Yolande of Dreux
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| Countess of Montfort | |
| Tenure | 1311–1322 |
| Predecessor | Beatrice |
| Successor | John II |
| Queen consort of Scotland | |
| Tenure | 1285–1286 |
| Duchess consort of Brittany | |
| Tenure | 1305–1312 |
| Born | 20 March 1263 |
| Died | 2 August 1330 (aged 66–67) |
| Spouse | Alexander III of Scotland Arthur II, Duke of Brittany |
| Issue more... |
John of Montfort |
| House | Dreux |
| Father | Robert IV, Count of Dreux |
| Mother | Beatrice, Countess of Montfort |
Yolande of Dreux (born March 20, 1263 – died August 2, 1330) was an important noblewoman in medieval Europe. She was a countess in her own right, meaning she ruled the area of Montfort from 1311 to 1322.
Yolande also became a queen when she married Alexander III of Scotland. After his death, she married Arthur II, Duke of Brittany and became a duchess. Her life was full of important events in both Scotland and France.
Contents
Her Life Story
Early Years
Yolande was born into a powerful French family. Her father was Robert IV, Count of Dreux, and her mother was Beatrice, Countess of Montfort. The Dreux family was connected to the King of France, Louis VI. This made Yolande a member of a very important and influential family.
Becoming Queen of Scotland
In 1281, King Alexander III of Scotland faced a problem. His sons had died, leaving his granddaughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway, as his only heir. King Alexander needed a new heir to continue his family line. So, he decided to marry again.
Yolande was a good choice for a queen. She was related to Alexander through shared family lines in France. This marriage was also important for Scotland. It helped show that Scotland was independent from its powerful neighbor, Edward I of England.
An official group from Scotland went to France in February 1285. They returned with Yolande and her brother. The wedding took place on October 15, 1285, at Jedburgh Abbey. Many nobles from France and Scotland attended this grand event.
After the King's Death
King Alexander III died suddenly on March 18 or 19, 1286. He fell from his horse while riding to meet Yolande. After his death, Queen Yolande moved to Stirling Castle. She announced that she was pregnant.
Leaders in Scotland, called the Guardians of Scotland, were chosen to rule. They promised to govern until Margaret of Norway could come to Scotland. If Yolande had a child, that child would become the new ruler instead of Margaret.
It is not fully clear what happened with Yolande's pregnancy. Some records suggest the baby was stillborn or died very soon after birth. By November 1286, it was clear there would be no living child. The Scottish leaders then prepared for Margaret of Norway to become their queen.
Yolande stayed in Scotland for a few years. She lived on lands given to her as a queen. She returned to France sometime after 1288.
Duchess of Brittany and Countess of Montfort
In May 1294, Yolande married Arthur II, Duke of Brittany. They had at least six children together. Arthur passed away in 1312. His son, John III, Duke of Brittany, became the new duke.
In 1311, Yolande became the Countess of Montfort. She inherited this title from her mother. Even after moving back to France, she continued to manage her lands in Scotland. She even sent a knight to Scotland to check on her properties shortly before she died.
Yolande died on August 2, 1330. She passed away at a convent near Paris. Her son, John, inherited her county of Montfort. He later fought for his right to his father's duchy in a conflict known as the Breton War of Succession.
Her Children
Yolande and Arthur had at least six children:
- John, born around 1294. He later became the Count of Montfort.
- Beatrice, born around 1295. She married Guy X of Laval.
- Joan, born around 1296. She married Robert, the son of Robert III of Flanders.
- Alice, born around 1297. She married Bouchard VI of Vendôme.
- Blanche, born around 1300. She died when she was young.
- Marie, born around 1302. She joined a convent.
See also
In Spanish: Yolanda de Dreux para niños
