Louis XI of France (1423-1483)

Siblings: younger brother named Charles of Valois, Duke of Berry

Children: Louis (1458–60), Joachim (born and died 1459), and Louise (born and died 1460)

### Best Known For

Being the King of France from 1461 to 1483.

## About

Louis XI was the King of France from 1461 to 1483. He was born on July 3, 1423, in Bourges, France, and died on August 30, 1483, in Plessis-les-Tours. Louis XI was also known as “Louis the Prudent”. He succeeded his father, Charles VII, and continued his work of strengthening and unifying France after the Hundred Years' War. Louis XI plotted against his father, Charles VII, and was exiled to Dauphiné in 1445, which he ruled as a sovereign state until Charles approached its borders with an army in 1456. Louis then fled to the Netherlands, returning to France to become king on his father's death in 1461. He fought rebellious French princes in 1465 and made concessions to Charles the Bold in 1468. Seeking to strengthen and unify France, he destroyed the power of the Burgundians in 1477. He regained control of Boulonnais, Picardy, and Burgundy, took possession of Franche-Comté and Artois in 1482, annexed Anjou in 1471, and inherited Maine and Provence in 1481. Louis XI was married to Margaret, daughter of James I of Scotland, in 1436, but it was an unhappy union formed solely for political reasons. Louis XI was impatient to reign and was accused of hastening his father's death by poison. He was succeeded by his son, Charles VIII, upon his death in 1483.

## Early Life and Education

Louis XI was born on July 3, 1423, in Bourges, France, to King Charles VII of France and his wife, Marie of Anjou. During his childhood, a program of instruction was drawn up laying out Louis’ education. Louis studied history, rhetoric, Latin grammar, mathematics, and music. When he was not studying, he would practice horseback riding and how to handle weapons like the bow and arrow, lance, and sword. Louis XI succeeded his father, Charles VII, as the King of France in 1461 at the age of 38. He worked long and hard to rebuild France and brought his will to bear on the great problems of his kingdom in a manner sometimes temperamental and cruel, sometimes jovial and unassuming. Louis XI was known for his efforts in strengthening and unifying France after the Hundred Years' War.

## Career

Louis XI was the King of France from 1461 to 1483. He is known for his efforts in strengthening and unifying France after the Hundred Years' War. Additionally, he is known for his suppression of baronial power, making peace with England, and reorganizing French royal authority. Louis XI was a schemer and a master of intrigue, earning him the nickname “the Spider King”. He was also known for his flair for diplomacy and his consolidation of his kingdom. Louis XI's favourite pastimes were plotting and conspiracy, and he was willing to conspire with other disgruntled nobles to take over the government of the realm. He studied history, rhetoric, Latin grammar, mathematics, and music.

## Personal life

Louis XI was known for his love of conspiracy and plotting, earning him the nickname “Cunning” and “Universal Spider”. He was also known for his obsession with obtaining accurate information and his memory. Louis XI was not interested in keeping a magnificent court, but instead stayed on the road with a small retinue, constantly riding on horseback. He dressed plainly, usually in hunting garb, so he could leave the road and hunt when the fancy struck him. Louis XI made two marriages and had three children.

## Awards and legacy

Louis XI is known for his effective rule and his mastery of intrigue and conspiracy, earning him the nickname “the Universal Spider”. He is also known for his efforts in strengthening and unifying France after the Hundred Years' War. Louis XI broke the power of feudalism and established firm government in France. He was a tireless worker and a skilled diplomat who promoted commerce and industry throughout the kingdom. Louis XI's legacy was a troubled one, as his son Charles VIII inherited a kingdom that was still facing outbreaks of rebellion. Nonetheless, Louis XI is remembered as one of the most effective French monarchs in history.

## Quotes

One of Louis XI's famous quotes is “I have chased the English out of France more easily than my father ever did, for my father drove them out by force of arms, whereas I have driven them out with venison pies and good wine”. This quote highlights Louis XI's diplomatic and cunning nature in achieving his goals.

## References

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