Regnault de Chartres facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Regnault de Chartres |
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| Cardinal, Archbishop of Rheims | |
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| Other posts | 1414 Archbishop of Rheims 1436 Bishop of Agde (apostolic administrator) 1439 Bishop of Orléans (in commendam) |
| Orders | |
| Created Cardinal | 18 December 1439 by Pope Eugene IV |
| Rank | Cardinal priest of Santo Stefano al Monte Celio |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1380 Ons-en-Bray,  Kingdom of France |
| Died | 4 April 1444 Tours, Kingdom of France |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
Regnault de Chartres (born around 1380 in Ons-en-Bray – died 4 April 1444 in Tours) was an important French leader. He was a cardinal and the Archbishop of Rheims. He also served as the chancellor of France during the rule of King Charles VII of France.
One of his most famous actions was in 1429 during the Hundred Years' War. He was the one who officially crowned Charles VII as the King of France in Rheims. This event was very important because it helped to make sure that the Valois dynasty (Charles's family) kept their claim to the French throne, even though the English King Henry VI of England also claimed it.
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Early Life and Family Background
Regnault de Chartres was born around 1380. His father was Hector de Chartres, who was a lord from Lyons-en-Beauvaisis and Ons-en-Bray. His mother was Blanche de Clermont-Nesle.
Regnault had three brothers. His older brother was Pierre de Chartres. His younger brother, Hector de Chartres the Younger, sadly died in 1415 at the Battle of Agincourt.
Regnault's Early Career
Regnault de Chartres started his career in the church. He became a canon at the Beauvais Cathedral. In 1404, he was chosen to be the dean of the cathedral.
Later, he worked for Antipope John XXIII, who was one of the popes at the time. Regnault was his chamberlain and referendary. He also led the Paris Court of Accounts, which managed government money.
In 1414, he was chosen to be the Archbishop of Rheims. However, he did not officially start this job until 1429. In 1415, he went to the Council of Constance, which was a major meeting of church leaders.
In 1418, he was given an important role as a special adviser to the Dauphin (the king's son) in several French regions.
Serving King Charles VII
Regnault de Chartres became the Chancellor of France in 1424. This was a very high position, like being the king's main minister. He held this role again from 1428 until his death in 1444. He also took part in important war meetings in Orleans.
One of the most significant moments of his life happened on July 17, 1429. He was the one who performed the coronation ceremony for King Charles VII in Rheims. Joan of Arc was also present at this historic event.
In 1432, he received a large sum of money from the king for helping to negotiate a peace agreement. He was offered another important church position in Embrun in 1434, but he chose to stay in Rheims.
Regnault continued to play a key role in French politics. In 1435, he helped negotiate a very important treaty with the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good. This treaty helped to reduce fighting between France and Burgundy. He also worked to ease tensions between France and England.
In 1436, he became the administrator of the bishopric of Agde. He also led the wedding ceremony for the Dauphin Louis (who would later become king) and Margaret of Scotland in Tours.
Becoming a Cardinal
In 1439, Pope Eugene IV appointed him to lead the bishopric of Orléans. This was a special type of appointment called in commendam. He officially took on this role in October 1439. He also led another important wedding ceremony in 1440.
Because of his many services to the king and the church, King Charles VII helped Regnault to become a cardinal. He was named a cardinal at a major church meeting in Florence on December 18, 1439. He then became the cardinal priest of a church called Santo Stefano al Monte Celio.
Death and Legacy
In 1444, Regnault de Chartres was given the bishopric of Mende. He traveled to Tours to meet King Charles VII and to help with peace talks with England. Sadly, he became ill suddenly and died on April 4, 1444. He was buried in a Fransciscan church.
After his death, the position of Archbishop of Rheims remained empty for almost seven months. Regnault de Chartres was a powerful and influential figure who played a major role in the history of France during a very challenging time.
