Isabella the She Wolf of France: Killer Queen

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks for watching my latest video 🙏🏻 Did you miss it? Digging up Anne Boleyn: A Bone of Contention?! kzbin.info/www/bejne/opWlY5pvfqqWi5o I'll be back again soon! Jon 🤴🏻

[@ladyagnes7781]

Didn't mention that one of the big reasons why Isabella was so estranged from her husband was because he had pushed her aside for one homosexual lover and then for another. She was basically just used as somebody to produce heirs for him while he did what he wanted. And then she grabbed some power for herself.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Yes that is what I thought, she had reason to remove certain people and take some power. That is how Isabella differed from many women of those times who had no choice but to endure their husbands ill treatment and affairs. Kinda sad that Isabella was vilified so much and still is. Yes she was no saint, yes she did do some awful things but she was also a strong, brave and intelligent woman who knew her worth and wouldn't settle for anything less

[@HistoryRoadshow]

It's contentious as to whether he was or not, after reading theories from historians some say yes others no. It's another debate that I'm sure will go on. Thanks Agnes 😊

[@anythingbut...]

​@@HistoryRoadshow Quite funny that you decided to keep the very likely and actually documented in serval places fact that Edward was homosexual, but you taken as the truth rumour that he was killed by a red hot poker to the rear side. It was proven beyond the doubt, that this method would indeed leave marks of ill play, furthermore there was no mention of this method of killing him until 50-100 years after his death (it was pure propaganda to highlight his romantic preferences). He was most likely smothered with a pillow historian says, same as princes in the tower - smothering was chosen royal way of dispatch as this indeed was not leaving any visible trace (to the contemporary methods of postmortem), ...or there is another theory that he could have died as a result of untreated STD that was passed to him by his gay lovers.

[@susanmorgan8833]

A bit hard on Isabella, when Edward and his favorites had made their marriage less than pleasant for her. The jewels given to Gaveston, for instance, were from her dowery, and not for any use other than her own. She went ultimately to France as Edward owed homage to the French king for lands in France, and she later got him to send Prince Edward to do that homage for him. Her love for Mortimer was a forbidden love, but I've often wondered how many women in her position, insulted and unloved, didn't look outside the marriage. Divorce wasn't easy as it is now, and a woman's rights were few. Also, Mortimer had been put in the tower by Edward and his lands seized for no right reason. He later escaped the tower and fled to France. You had two people who had no reason to have any love for Edward, but the method of his murder was still unbelievably cruel. I had never heard their affair started prior to their meeting in France.

[@jujubees5855]

Exactly tell the whole story!

[@katjack2780]

I can only think that you must have used out-of-date sources. The whole "she-wolf of France" bit has pretty much been discarded as slander and propaganda. She had more than enough mistreatment at the hands of Edward and his minions to justify any action she took. Edward was literally despoiling the country with his rapacious favorites. And the "hot-poker" story has been disproven but still seems to linger on because it is so sensational. The story only appeared many years after Edward's death. Also, Roger Mortimer was not hung, drawn and quartered. He was simply hung. Edward III made a big point out of having him executed at Tyburn, which was used for common criminals. Mortimer was actually the 3rd baron Mortimer of Wigmore and 1st earl of March. The best sources for the life and times of Edward II are the works of Kathryn Warner, who has made the period her specialty.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

History is full of speculation, myth and controversy. What one person says, another will disagree. Appreciate your viewpoint, thanks for watching 😊

[@blackcat2628zd]

Isabella died 22 August 1358, age cca 63. The thing with red hot poker is only a legend, starting to circulate cca 60 years after E2 death. Her son used to visit her also because he needed/wanted advice from the queen. She grew up at the French court, became a queen at 12, highly intelligent and well educated. She also acted as a peacemaker a couple of time, even during her retirement.

[@M1710100]

Well, before watching the video, I'd like to give my opinion of the statements with which it has been announced. I wouldn't say that Isabelle's coup to overthrow her husband was 'creating death and misery without any apparent reason'. The humiliation and abuses she has been subjected to were reasons enough, and Edward was a weak king and it is a fact that his affairs were destabilizing the Kingdom and creating chaos. So he brought about his own downfall in many ways. Then again, Isabelle had every reason to believe that her son would also be abused and maltreated and his position endangered in the chaotic situation, so it's very probable that she did what she considered necessary to protect the interests of her son, her actions being in many ways similar to Elean of Aquitaine. Of course, one cannot argue that she also abused the power once she got it, and showed both her bad side and lack of political wisdom, but that still doesn't make her history's ultimate villain. Let's just remember that Queen Elizabeth I was also quite ruthless in executing those who opposed her rule, and also ordered execution of an anointed monarch - but she also excelled in political wisdom, which is why she is considered as one of the most popular monarchs, and not a Shewolf. And when executing Edward, Isabelle once again had her son's interests, beside her own, to think about. And as previous commenters already said, she was ruthless when that was the order of the day and of course one cannot deny her bad side, but yes, if she were not a woman, much of her wrongdoings wouldn't be taken against her. Now let's watch the video and see if Jon will present facts that will oppose my opinion ;)

[@annkelly0072]

Fantastic, as usual. I look forward to your mini lessons every week to help jog my memory & introduce little known facts.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thank you Ann, glad you're enjoying the videos 😊

[@nancybradford8514]

Have you seen Dan Jones version of Isabel the She Wolf? I applaud her for her Rath in his version, if you have ever had your child with held from you, or kidnapped by the Dispensers, in order to get her to negotiate with the king of France for something I don't remember 🤔, apologies for my memory, but as always we love you and all the work you put into a great channel, we are always watching for the next and the next! Thank you and blessings, take care

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Nancy, have a great weekend 😊

[@ShaunFrere1]

The red hot poker story is believed my many historians to be a myth. Many of them believe that Edward 11 was actually murdered by strangulation or smothering.

[@TheKingsofFrance]

Thank you for another excellent video Jon, as always a feast for the eye and perfectly narrated !

[@HistoryRoadshow]

My pleasure, so pleased you enjoy the content, thank you 😊

[@Muddy_The_Water]

During her time women who had power and especially a crown had to be more ruthless then any man. Including the strongest king.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@booknerdlover3675]

I absolutely love your videos. They are informative and, at times, humorous. Plus you have a perfect voice for it! Thank you for another great video

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thank you that's much appreciated 😊

[@keepitsimple4629]

I may be mistaken, but I think you said Isabella was 7, and Edward was 16 when betrothed, but that she was 13 and he was 28 when they married. That's a difference of 9 years when betrothed, but 15 years when married.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

It's a good point, but that's what it states in the source, well spotted, can't believe I missed it! Thanks 😊

[@keepitsimple4629]

@@HistoryRoadshow Also, the video was talking about Edward's tough childhood, but was showing a pic of Philip. I don't know the timeframe. Anyway, your videos are always topnotch, way above the rest.

[@clairebeane3455]

This is my family lineage and it is absolutely fascinating. Thank you for this!! I have always found Isabella the most fascinating of my forebears.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Claire, have a great week 😊

[@clairebeane3455]

@@HistoryRoadshow Thank you! You as well!!

[@leonieromanes7265]

I always felt sympathetic towards Isabella, her marriage was less than ideal.

[@jamest2401]

Most historians have disregarded the hot-poker story as simply propaganda. It only appears in sources from many, many years after his death. I tend to agree with them, simply for fact that, if they wanted to kill him without leaving a mark, there are a myriad of other ways to do it, not to mention, quicker and easier ones too. Look at how Richard II was dispatched. All they had to do was lock him in a room with no food or water, and let nature take its course. I admit that the hot-poker tale is much more sensational and seemingly poetic (which is why the story seems to have longer legs), but this has been the job of propaganda throughout history. If Richard III’s bones hadn’t been discovered, we’d probably still be clinging to Shakesspeare’s grotesque form and beautifully crafted piece of Tudor propaganda about him.

[@patriciafenwick5846]

Hi, I thought she was born in 1295 and was only 13 when she married Edward. When I read The Accursed Kings by Maurice Druon (Les Rois Maudits), she played a pivotal role in condemning her sisters in law and their lovers. BTW, from what I understood the Salic Law wasn't really applied/brought up until 1316 when Louis X died leaving a four year old daughter and a son who died 5 days after his birth. His daughter, Jeanne de Navarre, withdrew her claim to the throne, and it was then that the Salic Law was mentionned, after having been slowly forgotten since the Carolingians. It was finally officially adopted at the beginning of the 15th century. As for Edward II's murder, I thought the red hot poker story had been debunked. Also, there was, apparently, no evidence that he was homosexual or bisexual. There is an argument out there positing that Edward saw Piers as a beloved brother. However, history is so open to interpretation that any story could be true. Thanks for the video

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Summed up beautifully! Everyone has a different interpretation. Appreciate the comment 😊

[@Lisette777]

The rather pedestrian, tabloid-worthy affairs of the current anemic royals really pale in comparison to the historical royals! Though it does make one rather glad things have (somewhat) changed. Thanks for another interesting video, Jon!

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Have things really changed that much! Thanks Lisette 😊

[@Lisette777]

@@HistoryRoadshow Good point, Jon! I guess it depends which country you are thinking about!

[@maryannbernal]

Nice refresher segment. Keep them coming.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Mary Ann 😊

[@kathrynbiglin3124]

Wow, she was quite something! I agree with another comment that if she'd been a king she'd have been revered. I'd be very interested in a look at Longshanks, William Wallace, Robert the Bruce...not the "Braveheart" version! Thanks for a great video as always!

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Kathryn, much appreciated 😊

[@MsLogjam]

So ironic that Edward I fought the Scots so viciously and 300 years later the English crown would be handed to them on a cushion.

[@funnytime13]

Cheryl here! Thanks again Jon! Sounds like Vlad the Impaler was part of this! What is the oldest castle in Britain? Are there books available about them! Love your history videos!

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Oldest castle? Good question! It could be Berkhamsted! Thanks Cheryl 😊

[@funnytime13]

@@HistoryRoadshow Yes it is Berkhamsted..built in 1067..found it in Wikipedia! Hope maybe you will do one of your History Roadshow walkthroughs on it!

[@funnytime13]

@@HistoryRoadshow yeah, since the strokes almost 4 years ago I can't do much walking but have fun doing research so I found that castle on wikipedia and found it was constructed in the 11th century! Research and I do alot! Cheryl here (again)

[@leticiagarcia9025]

I remember reading about her over twenty years ago. She kind of reminds of Agrippina the Younger. Thank you Jon for sharing this video on a not so popular queen. Have a good weekend.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

She certainly had a few moments in her more than memorable life. Thanks Leticia 😊

[@COBO2]

Why did some of the kings and rulers put woman into nunneries to punish them.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Putting a wife in a nunnery was a good way for husbands to be rid of them so they could marry someone else. I believe Henry VIII tried this with his first wife Catherine of Aragon but she refused to go

[@MsCharley13]

Fantastic stuff again! A great cheer went up in the house when Scarborough Castle was mentioned. I’m originally from Scarborough and spent hours up there exploring.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

My parents had their honeymoon in Scarborough 😉 Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Charlotte 😊

[@janetpugliesi3203]

Thank you for the great enlighten look at a Queen's life that I personally must admit knew litte to almost nothing of to this point..This lady had a lot of chutzpah for her to do half the things she did !! Not all were right or moral by any means!!! It was a well thought out video that covered the most important highlights.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Janet, much appreciated 😊

[@sandragrundy1516]

Another fab HRS really appreciate as I love history and the monarchs plus your wonderful narration

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Sandra, appreciate your kind words 😊

[@robertdudley4017]

A very interesting life of this queen power Hungary beautiful and deadly, thank you Jon told as only you can do and the humour to go with it. 👍😊

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Glad you enjoyed it Robert, have a great weekend 😊

[@robertdudley4017]

@@HistoryRoadshow Thank you Jon, hope you have a good weekend. 😊

[@leanie5234]

BTW: I love your videos. Thank you very much.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Glad you like them! Much appreciated 😊

[@janedee6488]

Great video. I think Edward’s favorites caused most of the trouble.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

I think so too Jane, thanks as always 😊

[@christopheraliaga-kelly6254]

In the 1980s there was a British folk/rock group called: "Edward II and the Red Hot Polkas" Tasteful...Or What?

[@chrisschepper9312]

It’s actually not thought Eddy 2 was killed that way.

[@savagedarksider5934]

Great Video. But I heard this other historian questioning Edward II Death.

[@Shane-Flanagan]

True I heard its possible he wasn't murdered at all

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Everyone has an opinion when it comes to history, that's what makes for a great debate! Thanks savage 😊

[@Shane-Flanagan]

Question: Where are the street scene and castle footage from at the beginning of the video? Really good 👍🤔

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Stock video

[@laurat4977]

Enjoyed this video but I do find that it seems a bit biased against Isabella and in favor of Edward II. Isabella's reputation has suffered for centuries. She was mistreated, ignored, and set aside by her husband who doted on his favorites (widely believed to be his lovers). Edward II was a terrible monarch. Isabella had no choice but to take matters into her own hands when the opportunity arose.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

It's a confusing story, some historians take sides and write with bias. As with all history we'll never know what really happened in those times. Appreciate your viewpoint thanks Laura 😊

[@Angie2343]

@HistoryRoadshow What id this footage at 5:05? Looking like some kind of barbecue grill!

[@justme-tj3jt]

wow... if she had been a king she would have become a hero...

[@HistoryRoadshow]

It makes you wonder! Thanks 😊

[@oogiioyu4632]

She was brave and clever queen. Only had stupid miserable husband king

[@M1710100]

Well, after watching the video, I must say I understand your reasons for portraying Isabella of France in the way you had. The actual truth, as always, will remain hidden in the times past...

[@Heothbremel]

Love commentary on the history, and the light self-reference -- made me laugh :) What a woman Isabella was. If only she'd been a bit more tactical when she finally had power in her hands....

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Thanks Anastasia, enjoy your weekend 😊

[@arlosmith2784]

Isabel Capet was the model for Evita Peron. Like Evita, she was a ruler's wife who got into the middle of politics.

[@annacalifornia6498]

Just one comment, hell has no fury like a woman scorned

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Pretty much Anna, thanks 😊

[@leonieromanes7265]

True.

[@susanaorellano2942]

Hermoso!

[@jamellfoster6029]

They said her Mom was plain. Her Mom didn't look plain on that picture... Her Mom was pretty on the pic...

[@keningall5404]

I thought the method of King Edwards murder by red hot poker was a myth & that he was killed in a less horrific manner ? Excellent presentation

[@HistoryRoadshow]

You could be right Ken. History is a bit like Chinese whispers, if he died naturally before you know it a red hot poker! Thanks 😊

[@chicagogyrl4846]

If she was born in 1292, and got married in 1308, wouldn’t that have made her 16 years old at the time of marriage, not 13 years old?

[@HistoryRoadshow]

There is a discrepency on her birth year, some say circa 1295, my source said 1292, but as you say the age is different later! Someone else picked up on this but to be honest I don't know, maybe a typo! Thanks 😊

[@susprime7018]

She came by it natural, Philip the Fair was pretty poison.

[@cassandraralph5906]

Thank you for this most interesting and educational video! I only vaguely knew about Isabella, the She Wolf of France. I don't consider her to be someone to emulate quite frankly! I feel sorry for Edward II who was murdered in the most horrendous agonizing way, even though he was not a nice man. No justification for him to be murdered in that way.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Can't justify any murder, but that was particularly horrible! Thanks Cassandra 😊

[@di3486]

Well, we can’t really make too much of an assessment of a bloody period like the Plantagenet era with our modern sensitivities.

[@Svartalf14]

Dear sir, you misspoke. Philip IV the fair did indeed send his sons' wives to imprisonment, but the 'discovery' and 'revival' of the so called Salic Law, forbidding transmission of power through the female line was not his doing, but that of his second son, Philip V the long, who did this after the deaths of his elder brother Louis X and his posthumous son, John I, so he could secure the throne rather than have it go to Louis daughter from his first marriage, Joan of Navarre, who, due to her mother's misconduct, was suspected of being a bastard.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Appreciate your viewpoint, thanks for watching 😊

[@keiththorpe9571]

Why won't he ever come to the point? Oh, that's Sir Cumspect. No, don't get up...I'll show myself out.

[@HistoryRoadshow]

Drum roll, symbol 😂

[@jujubees5855]

Loving this story during pride month 😂

[@Patricia-zt8ub]

Maladjusted.

[@coderrasdupree2286]

If that was so true about Isabella why she didn't kill me when she had the chance at Oscar Corona house for I know who you calling Corona viruses