Louis of Luxembourg facts for kids

Louis of Luxembourg was an important church leader who lived in the 1400s. He held many high positions, including Bishop of Therouanne, Archbishop of Rouen, and Bishop of Ely. He also became a Cardinal, which is a very senior role in the Catholic Church.

Louis was the youngest son of John of Luxembourg, Lord of Beauvoir and Marguerite of Enghien. His family, the Counts of Luxembourg, were close allies of the Dukes of Burgundy. Because of this connection, Louis joined the council of Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, in 1419. A council is a group of advisors who help a ruler make important decisions.

Early Church Roles

Louis started his career in the church as the Bishop of Thérouanne. This was an important religious role in France.

Remembering Agincourt

In 1415, a famous battle called the Battle of Agincourt took place. Many soldiers died there. As bishop, Louis performed a special ceremony. On October 26, 1415, he blessed a part of the battlefield. This area became a burial site for those who had fallen in the battle.

Life in French Politics

Louis played a big part in the politics of France during a time of war. This was during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Working with the English

From 1419 to 1435, England and Burgundy were allies against France. In 1425, John of Lancaster, 1st Duke of Bedford was the Regent of France. A regent is someone who rules a country when the king is too young or unable to rule. Duke John appointed Louis to the Grand Conseil (Great Council) that governed from Paris. This meant Louis was helping to run the government in French areas controlled by the English.

Moving to Rouen

In 1436, King Charles VII of France took back Paris. Because Louis had worked with the English, he had to leave Paris. He fled to Rouen, a city in Normandy that was still controlled by the English. In Rouen, he became the Chancellor of the Lancastrian council. A Chancellor is a high-ranking official, often in charge of legal or financial matters. He was also elected Archbishop of Rouen in the same year. Louis was a key French administrator who supported the English rule in France. His niece, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, was married to Duke John of Bedford, which shows his family's strong ties to the English royal family.

Life in England

In 1437, Louis visited England. He became a naturalized citizen, meaning he gained the rights and protections of an English citizen.

Bishop of Ely

King Henry VI of England gave Louis the important position of Bishop of Ely in 1437 or 1438. A bishopric is the area a bishop oversees. The see (or bishopric) of Ely was one of the wealthiest church areas in England.

Leading in Normandy

In 1439, Richard Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick, who was King Henry VI's representative in France, died in Rouen. Louis continued his role as Chancellor. He was in charge of governing Normandy and leading the war efforts against King Charles VII from Rouen.

Becoming a Cardinal

In 1439, Pope Eugenius IV made Louis a cardinal. This high honor was given at the request of the English. Cardinals are senior church officials who advise the Pope and often elect new Popes.

Final Years and Legacy

In 1441, Richard, Duke of York became the king's new representative in France. In September 1442, Louis, as the English Chancellor in France, was chosen for an important task. He and Duke Richard were put on a special commission. Their job was to try and negotiate a peace treaty with France. Louis was given the power to choose a good place for this meeting.

Louis of Luxembourg died on September 18, 1443. His body was buried in Ely Cathedral in England. However, his heart was sent to Rouen, showing his connection to both places.