Charles de Marillac facts for kids

Charles de Marillac (born around 1510 – died December 2, 1560) was an important French prelate (a high-ranking church official) and diplomat (someone who represents their country in other nations). He played a key role in French politics and international relations during his time.

Early Life and Career

Charles de Marillac was born in Riom, France. By the time he was 22, he was a lawyer in the parliament of Paris. People thought he might support the reformers (people who wanted to change the church). So, he decided it was safer to leave Paris.

In 1535, he traveled to the East with his cousin, Jean de La Forest. His cousin was the first French ambassador to Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Charles was smart and determined. He quickly became well-known. When his cousin passed away during his mission, Charles de Marillac took over as the new ambassador.

Diplomat in England

Charles de Marillac returned from the East in 1538. Soon after, he was sent to England. He became the French ambassador to the court of King Henry VIII. He stayed there until 1543.

Marillac sent many reports back to France. These reports described important events at the English court. For example, he wrote about King Henry VIII's first meeting with his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. This marriage led to the downfall of Thomas Cromwell, a very powerful minister.

Marillac noted that King Henry did not like Anne of Cleves. He found her unattractive. However, Marillac himself was impressed by her serious and dignified manner. He thought she would be a good Queen of England. He found King Henry's reaction to her quite confusing.

Later, Marillac observed that King Henry regretted losing Cromwell. He blamed Cromwell's enemies for convincing him to get rid of his best minister. Marillac's reports are very helpful for understanding the English court during this busy time. He admitted that English politics were often hard for foreigners to understand. He said, "so great is the inconstancy of the English."

Later Missions and Influence

Marillac kept his influence during the reign of King Henry II. He carried out important missions in Switzerland. Later, he worked at the imperial court (from 1547 to 1551). He also visited the courts of the German princes (from 1553 to 1554).

In 1555, he was one of the French representatives. They met near Ardres to discuss peace with England. His last two missions were to Rome (1557) and the Diet of Augsburg (1559).

In 1550, he became the Bishop of Vannes. In 1557, he became the Archbishop of Vienne. He also joined the king's private council.

Final Years and Legacy

Charles de Marillac was a skilled statesman. He spoke brilliantly at the Assembly of Notables in Fontainebleau in 1560. He argued against using violence in politics. Instead, he asked for a national council and a meeting of the states-general (a kind of national assembly).

The Guise family, who were very powerful, were annoyed by his opposition. They forced him to leave the court. He died on December 2, 1560, in Melun, France.

Works

Charles de Marillac wrote several works, including:

• Discours sur la rupture de la Trève en l'an 1556 (Paris, 1556)
• Sommaire de l'ambassade en Allemagne de feu Mr. l'archevesque de Vienne en l'an 1550, published in Ranke's Deutsche Geschichte im Zeitalter der Reformation, vol. vi. (Leipzig, 1882).