Philippa of Hainault (Mother of the English Nation)

Thisis the first full-length biography of the queen who stood in the middle of the some of the most dramatic events in English history. Philippa's marriage was arranged in order to provide ships and mercenaries for her mother-in-law to invade her father-in-law’s kingdom in 1326, yet it became one of the most successful royal marriages in English history, enduring for more than four decades. Philippa stood by her husband’s side as he began a war against her uncle, Philip VI of France, and claimed his throne. She frequently accompanied him to Scotland, France, and Flanders. She also acted as regent in 1346 when Edward was away from his kingdom at the time of a Scottish invasion, and appeared on horseback to rally the English army to victory. Philippa's popularity with the people due to her compassion helped maintain peace in England throughout Edward's reign.