Edward was captured and forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Edward III, who was only fourteen years old at the time. Isabella became the de facto ruler of England as regent alongside Mortimer.
Edward II was imprisoned and later died under mysterious circumstances, widely believed to have been murdered.
Isabella’s Regency and Governance
During her regency, Isabella ruled with Mortimer, effectively controlling the kingdom. Their reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power, reform governance, and pursue foreign policy objectives, including conflict with Scotland and France.
However, their rule was also criticized for favoritism, corruption, and heavy taxation, which alienated many nobles.
Downfall and Legacy
In 1330, Edward III led a coup against Mortimer and Isabella, seizing power for himself. Mortimer was executed for treason, and Isabella was placed under house arrest but spared execution due to her royal status.
Isabella spent the remainder of her life in relative obscurity, dying in 1358. Her legacy remains complex: she was a queen who defied convention and shaped English history through her rebellion and regency, yet she was also vilified by contemporaries and later chroniclers. shutdown123