Charles II, Duke of Bourbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles II de Bourbon |
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| Duke of Bourbon | |
Portrait of Charles II by Jean Hey, c. 1476-85
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Diocese | Lyon |
| Appointed | 14 November 1446 |
| Reign ended | 13 September 1488 |
| Predecessor | Geoffroy de Versailles |
| Successor | Hugues II de Talaru |
| Other posts | Cardinal priest of San Martino ai Monti |
| Orders | |
| Created Cardinal | 15 January 1477 |
| Rank | Cardinal-priest |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1433 Château de Moulins, France |
| Died | 13 September 1488 (aged 54–55) Lyon, France |
| Coat of arms |  |
Charles II, Duke of Bourbon (born in Moulins around 1433, died in Lyon on September 13, 1488) was an important French leader. He became the Archbishop of Lyon when he was quite young. He also worked as a diplomat for King Louis XI of France. For a short time in 1488, he was the Duke of Bourbon. However, his younger brother, Peter II, Duke of Bourbon, soon took over this title.
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Who Was Charles II de Bourbon?
Charles was the son of Charles I, Duke of Bourbon, and Agnes of Burgundy. Since he was a younger son, he was expected to join the church. In 1443, he became a Canon in Lyon. A canon is a type of priest.
Becoming Archbishop of Lyon
On June 6, 1444, when Charles was just 11 years old, he was chosen as the Archbishop of Lyon. This happened after the previous archbishop died. The Pope confirmed his position on November 14, 1446. Because Charles was so young, other church leaders helped manage his duties until he was older.
Charles II's Role in Politics
Charles II was very interested in politics, even more than his religious duties. He had a good relationship with King Louis XI.
Working for the King
After a conflict called the League of the Public Weal in 1465, King Louis XI sent Charles II as an ambassador to Pope Paul II. An ambassador is someone who represents their country or leader in another place.
In 1469, Charles II signed a royal document as the king's adviser. He was also a godparent to the king's son, Charles VIII.
Helping End the Hundred Years' War
When King Louis XI ended the Hundred Years' War in 1475, Charles II helped him with important diplomatic tasks. He was with the king when they signed the Treaty of Picquigny on August 19. This treaty helped bring peace. Later, he also signed a document to improve relations with Francis II, Duke of Brittany.
In 1476, Charles II was the head of the King's Council. He signed documents about the freedom of the Gallican Church in France.
Charles II as a Papal Legate
From 1472 to 1476, Charles II served as a papal legate in Avignon. A papal legate is a special representative of the Pope.
Conflict with the Pope
In 1474, Pope Sixtus IV appointed his nephew as the bishop of Avignon. This caused a disagreement between King Louis XI and the Pope. To solve the problem, Charles II agreed to give up his role in Avignon. Because of this, in 1476, he became the administrator of the diocese of Clermont and was made a Cardinal by Pope Sixtus IV. A cardinal is a very high-ranking official in the Catholic Church.
Patron of the Arts
Charles II was known for supporting artists. He spent a lot of money on Lyon's cathedral. He started building the Bourbon chapel there in 1486. This chapel was considered one of the most beautiful works of art from the 15th century. His brother, Peter II, continued the work after Charles's death.
Duke of Bourbon for a Short Time
In April 1488, Charles II became the Duke of Bourbon and Auvergne. He inherited these titles after his older brother, John II, died.
Losing the Title
However, his younger brother, Peter, and Peter's wife, Anne of France, quickly took control of the Bourbon lands. On April 15, Charles was forced to sign a document giving up his claims to the lands. In return, he received some money. Charles died later that year in Lyon. His short time as Duke was later confirmed in 1505.
Charles had a daughter named Isabelle. She was later officially recognized by King Charles VIII.
In Fiction
Charles II of Bourbon appears in Victor Hugo's famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. The book mentions his titles and his family connections to King Louis XI and Charles the Bold.
See also
In Spanish: Carlos II de Borbón para niños
| French nobility | ||
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| Preceded by John II |
Duke of Auvergne and Bourbon Count of Forez and l'Isle-Jourdain April 1488 |
Succeeded by Peter II |
