Henry of France (1121-1175)

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For other persons named Henry of France, see Henry of France (disambiguation).

Henry of France(1121–13 November 1175), Bishop of Beauvais (1149–1162), then Archbishop of Reims (1162–1175), was a son of Louis the Fat, King of France and his second wife Adélaide de Maurienne.

Destined for a place in the church from an early age, Henry was tonsured at the age of thirteen and ordained two years later. He was advanced by stages through the church hierarchy with a view to preparing him for a position of the highest rank, befitting the son of a king. In 1146, however, he entered Clairvaux Abbey and became an ordinary monk.

In 1149, with the death of Bishop Odo III of Beauvais, the cathedral chapter, persuaded by Bernard of Clairvaux, elected Henry to the bishopric. Henry was ill-prepared for the political reponsibilities of his new office, and came into conflict with the burghers of Beauvais. King Louis backed the town, while Henry was supported by brother Robert, Count of Dreux. The conflict was finally settled by Pope Eugenius II in 1151.

In 1162 Henry became Archbishop of Reims, succeeded at Beauvais by Bartholomew of Montcornet. Henry organised a church counsil at Reims in 1164. He again found himself in conflict with the town, but was supported by his brother Louis, now King as Louis VII. The revolt was suppressed and Archbishop Henry devoted himself to beautifying Reims.

Henry was followed as Archbishop of Reims by Guillaume aux Blanches Mains.