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 | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1371 |
| Died | 1452 |
| Occupation(s) | Canon, provost, vicar, landowner |
| Parent(s) | Nicolas Vulpure de Littera Sancie de Roviera |
Early life edit
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]
Career edit
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 edit
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 edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Aix-en-Provence Historical Society: Guillaume de Littera
- ^ Joseph Hyacinthe Albanés, Louis Fillet, Ulysse Chevalier, Aix, Apt, Fréjus, Gap, Riez et Sisteron, Société anonyme d'imprimerie montbéliardaise, 1899, p. 167 [1]
- ^ Provence historique: revue trimestrielle, Archives départementales, 1999, Volume 49, Issues 195-196, p. 413 [2]
- ^ a b Revue des sociétés savantes des départements, 1878, Volume 6, p. 128 [3]
- ^ 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]
- ^ Louis Barthélemy, Inventaire Chronologique Et Analytique Des Chartes De La Maison De Baux, Imprimerie Nationale, 1878, p. 507 [5]