Sourdis, Isabelle de (fl. 16th c.)

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Sourdis, Isabelle de (fl. 16th c.)

French noblewoman. Name variations: Isabelle Babou de Sourdis. Born Isabelle Babou; one of seven daughters of Jean Babou (prominent soldier, politician, and diplomat in the reign of Henry II); sister of Françoise Babou de la Bourdaisière d'Estrées; aunt of Gabrielle d'Estrées; m. M. de Sourdis (governor of Chartre).

Married to the governor of Chartre and mistress of Armand de Chiverny, promoted her niece's relationship with Henry IV of France, primarily to achieve her own ambitions to join the royal court.

See also Women in World History.