Medievalists.net has an interesting article based upon the writings of Christine de Pisan about what she records about the daily routine of the life of King Charles V of France. Born in 1338 he reigned from 1364 until his death in 1380 and in that period gained the balance of advantage in the conflicts that made up the Hundred Years War. Wikipedia has a biography of the King at Charles V of France
There is a useful introduction to his literary interests and patronage and to how he applied this to the art of government at Charles V of France: kingship based on clever governance and education
The regimen set out was probably similar to other monarchs of the era, and suggests a careful balance between private devotion and public business, accessibility to his subjects and private relaxation. It is perhaps indicative of why he was remembered as ‘the Wise’. His daily pattern was probably very similar, mutatis mutandis, to that of monarchs not only before but since.
King Charles V
Tomb effigy of the King at St Denis carved when he was 27 by Andre Beauneveu
Image: Universalis.fr
As the article suggests Christine may well have idealised the pattern she describes and clearly on some days other matters must have intervened.
The article, which includes links to other relevant pieces, can be viewed at The Daily Life of a Medieval King
No comments:
Post a Comment