Mar. 1327.—Died 1369.—Edward III.

Philippa of Hainault, the queen of Edward III., was the sister of the Count of Hainault in Flanders (Belgium). She was a most religious, wise, and able woman, who ruled the country while the king was at war in France as well as he did himself. She went with the army against the Scots, and defeated them at Nevil’s Cross, close to Durham, 1346. After the siege of Calais Queen Philippa begged the lives of Eustace de St. Pierre and five other French gentlemen, whom the king had condemned to death. When Queen Philippa died, Edward fell under the power of a wretched woman, and lost the confidence of his nobles and people.