The story behind Queen Isabella, known as the ‘She-Wolf of France’, who lived at Castle Rising’s castle for 28 years
The picturesque village of Castle Rising may be somewhere you enjoy a day out.
The quaint village now is home to some shops, a salon, a pub, a tearoom, and, of course, the castle.
The village makes for an ideal family day out. You can wander around the castle ruins before stopping off for a pub lunch at the Black Horse, or mooch around some of the boutiques situated around the corner before heading home.
The castle, now operated by English Heritage and owned by Lord Howard of Rising, has a deep and rich history and has passed through many hands, including royalty.
But did you know that a Queen of England, nicknamed the She-Wolf of France, with a fascinating life story, once lived there?
Married to Edward II, Queen Isabella of France retired from the throne to Castle Rising, where she lived at first a chaotic, then peaceful life.
Known for turning against her husband to steal the throne, Isabella went on to be imprisoned by her own son before being released to enjoy a life of luxury at Castle Rising.
In this feature, we take a look through the life of the Queen that once ruled Castle Rising and how she ended up there…
Where did it all start?
Thought to have been born in 1295, Isabella lived her early years in France before moving to England at the age of 12.
It was at this age when she married King Edward II, and her coronation took place on February 25, 1308.
But their marriage wasn’t plain sailing. Edward, like most rulers at the time, had a “favourite”, Piers Gaveston, somebody who acted as an intimate companion.
However, Isabella supported her husband during the early years of their marriage and formed a working relationship with Piers until he died in 1312.
Troubles emerge:
Edward soon turned to a new favourite, Hugh Despenser the Younger, who Isabella “couldn’t tolerate”. This put her and Edward’s marriage at a “breaking point”.
However, Edward and Isabella went on to have four children: Edward III, John of Eltham, Eleanor, Countess of Guelders and Joan, Queen of Scots.
Later in life, she had positive relationships with her children. However, things between her and her eldest son broke down and he imprisoned her at Windsor Castle for two years in 1330 before she moved to Castle Rising and lived a free life.
Why would a son imprison his own mother?
Before this, it was believed that Isabella had an affair with Roger Mortimer that started in France on a diplomatic mission.
According to legend, Isabella and Mortimer plotted to dispose of Edward II and oust the Despenser family.
However, Edward was imprisoned and died in an “accident” in 1327.
The king's downfall was due to escalating rumours about Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser being his lovers, as well as the majority of his reign being blighted by famine, war, and “incompetence.”
The Despenser War was started by Roger Mortimer against Edward II.
Isabella and Mortimer ruled for four years until her son, Edward III, was old enough to assume his own right and became king in 1330.
Edward III soon disposed of his mother’s lover, and Mortimer was executed on November 29, 1330.
Isabella got away more lightly than her partner, she instead was imprisoned at Windsor Castle for two years before moving to Castle Rising castle.
Isabella’s life at Castle Rising:
As a recent widow, Isabella was struggling to cope with the loss of her husband.
She lived at the castle for 28 years between 1330 and 1358.
Historians suggest there is evidence that while living at Castle Rising, she suffered from “fits of madness” as well as having a nervous breakdown.
While living in the castle, Isabella lived an expensive lifestyle and was very wealthy, despite having to surrender most of the land she owned.
She was reassigned a yearly income of £3,000, which increased to £4,000 (£3million in today’s money) by 1337.
While living in the castle, she enjoyed many luxuries. One of those being minstrels, specialist entertainers who sang songs and played instruments during medieval times.
She also employed huntsmen and grooms, who looked after hounds and horses.
Isabella was also interested in Arthurian Legends and jewellery.
In 1358, just before she died, she appeared at the St George's Day celebrations at Windsor wearing a dress made of silk, silver, 300 rubies, 1,800 pearls and a circlet of gold.
As years went by, Isabella became close with her youngest daughter, Joan, especially after she left her unfaithful husband, David II of Scotland.
Joan nursed her mother before she died in 1358.
Isabella became a devoted grandmother, especially to her grandson Edward the Black Prince, who she left Castle Rising castle to when she died.
She became more interested in religion as she got older and later took the nun’s habit of the Poor Clares.
Isabella’s lasting legacy:
It is fair to say that 667 years after her death, Isabella has not been forgotten.
She was featured in Christopher Marlowe’s play, Edward II, as well as many other books, performances and films.
She has often been portrayed as a beautiful lady, who is manipulative and wicked.
18th century poet Thomas Gray described her as the “She-Wolf of France” in his anti-French poem “The Bard”.
In this poem, Isabella rips apart the bowels of her former husband Edward II with her “unrelenting fangs”.
Visiting the castle now:
Castle Rising Castle has had many owners since it was built in 1138 by William d’Aubigny II.
It was inherited by William's descendants before passing into the hands of the de Montalt family in 1243. The Montalts later sold the castle to Queen Isabell, who extended its buildings.
During the 15th century, the castle became increasingly valued for its hunting facilities rather than its military defences. It fell into disrepair and, despite the construction of new living quarters and service facilities, by the middle of the 16th century, it was derelict.
The castle was part of the Duchy of Cornwall until King Henry VIII sold it to Thomas Howard, the Duke of Norfolk and it has stayed in the family since.
It has been said that the ghost of Queen Isabella lives in the castle grounds. Have you spotted her when you’ve visited?
