Charles VII of France

Charles VII was also known as:

Charles the Well-Served (Charles Le Bien-servi) or Charles the Victorious (le Victorieux)

Charles VII was known for:

Keeping France together at the height of the Hundred Years' War, with notable help from Joan of Arc.

Occupations:

King

Places of Residence and Influence:

France

Important Dates:

Read More

Joan of Arc, a Visionary Leader or Mentally Ill?

By Robert Wilde

Born: Feb. 22, 1403
Crowned: July 17, 1429
Died: July 22, 1461

About Charles VII:

Charles VII is something of a contrary figure in French history.

Though Charles served as regent for his mentally unbalanced father while still a teenager, Charles VI signed a treaty with Henry V of England that bypassed his own sons and named Henry the next king. Charles announced himself king upon the death of his father in 1422, but he was still known as "the Dauphin" (the French title for the heir to the throne) or "the King of Bourges" until he was properly crowned in Reims in 1429.

He owed Joan of Arc a great debt for her aid in breaking the siege of Orleans and getting a signifcantly symbolic coronation, but he stood by and did nothing when she was captured by the enemy. Though later he worked to obtain a reversal of her condemnation, he may only have done so to justify the circumstances surrounding his achievement of the crown. Although Charles has been charged with being inherently lazy, shy and even somewhat apathetic, his councillors and even his mistresses encouraged and inspired him to deeds that would ultimately unify France.

Charles succeeded in introducing important military and financial reforms that strengthened the power of the French monarchy. His conciliatory policy toward towns that collaborated with the English helped restore peace and unity to France. He was also a patron of the arts.

The reign of Charles VII was significant in the history of France. Fractured and in the midst of an extended war with England when he was born, by the time of his death the country was well on its way toward the geographical unity that defines its modern boundaries.

More Charles VII Resources:

Charles VII in Print

The links below will take you to an online bookstore, where you can find more information about the book to help you get it from your local library. This is provided as a convenience to you; neither Melissa Snell nor About is responsible for any purchases you make through these links.

Charles VII
(French Edition)
by Michel Herubel
Charles VII: Le victorieux
(Les Rois qui ont fait la France. Les Valois)
(French Edition)
by Georges Bordonove
Victorious Charles: A Ladies' Man - A Biography of King Charles VII of France (1403-1461)
by Caroline (Cally) Rogers Neill Sehnaoui
Conquest: The English Kingdom of France, 1417-1450
by Juliet Barker

Charles VII on the Web

Charles VII
Very brief bio at Infoplease.
Charles VII, King of France (1403-1461)
Fairly extensive biography by Anniina Jokinen at the Luminarium.
Charles VII (1403-1461) Roi de France (r.1422-1461) dit le Trésvictorieux
Though a bold background detracts somewhat from this amateur site, an informative biography is followed by a substantial timeline of the king's life, at the Hundred Years' War Web Page.

Medieval France
The Hundred Years' War

Chronological Index

Geographical Index

Index by Profession, Achievement, or Role in Society

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