Summary

Statue of Louis IX from the church of Mainneville, Eure, France.

Louis IX (April 1214 – August 1270), commonly known as Saint Louis, was a Capetian King of France who reigned from 1226 until his death. Louis was crowned in Reims at the age of 12, following the death of his father Louis VIII the Lion, although his mother, Blanche of Castile, ruled the kingdom until he reached maturity.

Louis’s actions were inspired by Christian values. He decided to punish blasphemy, gambling, interest-bearing loans and prostitution, and bought the relics of Christ for which he built the Sainte-Chapelle.  Louis IX was also a reformer and developed French royal justice, in which the king is the supreme judge to whom anyone is able to appeal to seek the amendment of a judgment. He banned trials by ordeal, tried to prevent private wars that were plaguing the country and introduced the presumption of innocence in criminal procedure. To enforce the correct application of this new legal system, Louis IX created provosts and bailiffs.

According to his vow made after a serious illness, and confirmed after a miraculous cure, Louis IX took an active part in the Seventh and Eighth Crusade in which he died from dysentery.

A devout Catholic, he is the only canonized king of France. Consequently, there are many places named after him.

Relatives

Father: Louis VIII the Lion
Mother: Blanche of Castile
Offspring:Blanche,Isabella, Louis of France, Philip III,  John,  John Tristan of Valois, Blanche of France Infanta of Castile, Margaret of France, Robert Count of Clermont, Agnes of France.

Referring entries


Further reading

Sources

  • Wikipedia for background, portrait.