Guillaume de Littera (1371–1452) was a French Roman Catholic canon and provost in Aix-en-Provence as well as vicar in a diocese encompassing several localities in Provence. He became a large landowner after he inherited Meyreuil and Rousset.

Guillaume de Littera
Born1371
Died1452
Occupation(s)Canon, provost, vicar, landowner
Parent(s)Nicolas Vulpure de Littera
Sancie de Roviera

Early life

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Guillaume de Littera was born circa 1371.[1] He grew up in a wealthy aristocratic family.[1] His father, Nicolas Vulpure de Littera (1333-1396), who received significant wealth from his first wife, Jacoba, was a notary.[1] His mother, Sancie de Roviera, was an heiress of Meyreuil.[1] His parents had nine children.[1]

He received a Doctorate in Law.[1][2]

Career

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He became a Roman Catholic canon and later provost in Aix-en-Provence.[1][3][4] In 1423, he donated his collection of books to the Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence.[5]

In the 1420s, he had an argument with the Archdeacon of Avignon, and threatened to excommunicate him.[1] As it were, the Archdeacon of Avignon excommunicated him.[1] However, on January 26, 1429, his excommunication was overruled.[1]

He was also an advisor to the King.[4] In 1426, after the death of the Countess of Avellin, Alix des Baux (1367-1426), he received the Baronetcy of Aubagne from Prince Charles, the brother of the Count of Provence, Louis III.[6] He also inherited Meyreuil from his mother and Rousset from an aunt.[1]

He served as Vicar under Antipope Felix V in the Diocese of Nice, Vence, Glandevès, Senez and Vintimille.[1] After his death, his service was discontinued. However, Pope Nicholas V forgave him in 1447, and he was Vicar in the diocese again by 1451.[1]

Death

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He died in 1452.[1] His three nieces inherited Meyreuil.[1] His illegitimate son, sometimes referred to as a nephew, inherited Rousset; however, his family members soon disinherited him.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Aix-en-Provence Historical Society: Guillaume de Littera
  2. ^ Joseph Hyacinthe Albanés, Louis Fillet, Ulysse Chevalier, Aix, Apt, Fréjus, Gap, Riez et Sisteron, Société anonyme d'imprimerie montbéliardaise, 1899, p. 167 [1]
  3. ^ Provence historique: revue trimestrielle, Archives départementales, 1999, Volume 49, Issues 195-196, p. 413 [2]
  4. ^ a b Revue des sociétés savantes des départements, 1878, Volume 6, p. 128 [3]
  5. ^ Céline Giordano, Autour des cathédrales provençales: les livres et les bibliothèques (fin XIIIe siècle-1530), Atelier national de reproduction des thèses, 2008, pp. 33; 217 [4]
  6. ^ Louis Barthélemy, Inventaire Chronologique Et Analytique Des Chartes De La Maison De Baux, Imprimerie Nationale, 1878, p. 507 [5]