Charles VII "the Victorious" of France (22 February 1403-22 July 1461) was King of France from 21 October 1422 to 22 July 1461, succeeding Charles VI and preceding Louis XI.
Biography[]
Charles was born in Paris, France on 22 February 1403, the son of Charles VI of France and Isnabeau of Bavaria. He inherited the throne in 1422 at the age of 19, and he came to power during France's darkest hours; English and Burgundian troops occupied Guyenne and northern France (including Paris and Reims). In addition, Charles had been legally disinherited, as Henry V of England and his descendants were made his heirs under the Treaty of Troyes. Charles moved the court to Bourges, south of the Loire River, and this was one of few territories loyal to him. However, the emergence of Joan of Arc as a spiritual leader succeeded in rallying the French people, who lifted the Siege of Orleans in 1429, reconquered the Loire Valley, and defeated the English at Patay. The people of Reims then switched their allegiance to France and crowned Charles as "King of France" on 17 July 1429. Following the Battle of Castillon in 1453, the English had lost all of their holdings in France except for the Pale of Calais, and the Hundred Years' War was brought to an end. Charles was nicknamed "the Victorious", and he died in Mehun-sur-Yevre on 22 July 1461 at the age of 58.