Charles VII

Also known as: Charles Dolphin / Charles VII of France / Charles calling himselfe the French king / Charles the seauenth / Charles the seuenth / Dolphin Charles / K. Charles / new French king · Family: France · Role: dauphin of France · First appears: Henry V 2

In 1414, while dauphin, Charles VII sent ambassadors to Henry V with a mocking barrel of Paris balls, “as sent in scorne.” Around 1417, concerned with France’s defense, he obtained the treasure hoarded by his mother Isabella of Bavaria and used it to pay soldiers and prepare for war, while John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy began fighting him. A proposed peace with Henry V at Touque failed, and in 1419 Charles broke his promise to attend negotiations. Though a treaty was concluded with Henry V around 1420, Charles was later convicted and banished for the murder of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy, and in 1422 he abandoned the siege of Cosneie when John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford approached.

In 1428 at Chinon, Peter Badricourt brought Joan of Arc to Charles, who heard her promise that she would raise the siege of Orléans, drive out the English, and place him on the French throne. Around 1429, Charles gave Joan of Arc an army with absolute authority; she helped lift the siege of Orléans, and Charles was crowned at Reims. He appointed commanders including Arthur de Bretagne, Earl of Richmond, Jean de Dunois, and Stephan de Vignolles, while John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford challenged his claim by battle. Auxerre and nearby towns submitted to him, Pontois expelled its English garrison, and Charles made peace with Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. In 1436, forces led by Arthur de Bretagne, Earl of Richmond and Jean de Dunois entered Paris, bringing the city into Charles’s possession.

In 1438, Louis XI, John II, Duke of Alençon, and John, Duke of Burgundy (Henry VI 27) rebelled against Charles, but the faction dissolved and peace was restored. Around 1441, Charles withdrew from Maubuisson, then recaptured Ponthoise and agreed with Henry VI to send ambassadors for peace; later, he besieged Caen, and Normandie was lost from English control. In 1455, Charles and Pope Callixtus III reopened the case against Joan of Arc, and in 1456 her condemnation was declared wrong while Charles was absolved of wrongdoing.