Isabella, Countess of Angoulême

Isabella, known in French as Isabelle d'Angoulême, was born around 1186 or 1188 as the only child of Aymer, Count of Angoulême, and Alice of Courtenay. She became Queen of England in 1200 by marrying King John, with whom she had five children, including Henry III. Her marriage to John was controversial as she was previously betrothed to Hugh IX le Brun, leading to conflict with King Philip II of France. Isabella was renowned for her beauty and was sometimes referred to as the Helen of the Middle Ages.

After King John's death in 1216, Isabella arranged for her son Henry's coronation and returned to France to manage her inheritance. In 1220, she married Hugh X of Lusignan, Count of La Marche, and had nine more children. Her marriage to Hugh was without the consent of the English king's council, leading to tensions and the temporary confiscation of her dower lands. Isabella's daughter Joan, initially promised to Hugh, was instead married to King Alexander II of Scotland.

In 1241, Isabella conspired against King Louis IX of France after being snubbed by his mother, Blanche of Castile. The plot failed, and in 1244, she was accused of attempting to poison the king. To avoid arrest, Isabella sought refuge in Fontevraud Abbey, where she died two years later. Her burial was initially outside the abbey as an act of repentance, but her son Henry III later moved her remains inside.

Isabella died on 4 June 1246 at the age of about 58 or 60 and was buried at Fontevraud Abbey. Her son Hugh XI succeeded her as Count of Angoulême and Count of La Marche.