Drogo of Metz

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Decorated initial T from Drogo's personal sacramentary.
Decorated initial T from Drogo's personal sacramentary.

Drogo, also known as Dreux or Drogon (June 17, 801-December 8, 855) was an illegitimate son of Frankish emperor Charlemagne by the concubine Regina.

As one of the few children to outlive his father, Drogo's prospects for political power were very favourable. Only one older son of Charlemagne remained, and was eager to ensure his few opponents were placated. He became a cleric in 818, abbot of Luxeuil in 820, acceded to become bishop of Metz in 823 and arch chapter in 834 in which position he remained for the duration of his life. His younger (full) brother, Hugh, was also ordained. He remained extremely loyal to his (half) brother, Louis the Pious and amassed great power under him. Drogo's influence began to wane after Louis' death, and his influence fell even more after the death of his only full brother Hugh in 844. Still, he managed to ensure the production of the Drogo Sacramentary, which is named for him. He is interred at Abbey Church of St. Arnulf in Metz.