The Disputed Election at Langres in 1138
Giles Constable
Among the many disputed episcopal elections of twelfth century, there are few that present both as problems and points interest at Langres in 1138. The diocese had since time Carolingian emperors been among most important France. As early 872 Charles Bald, request bishop Isaac, granted jointly to cathedral St. Mamas Stephen Dijon right, previously held by local count, coin money. In 967, lay count was officially replaced bishop, although his rights were subinfeudated a vidame. ‘Par Langres,’ wrote Ferdinand Lot, ‘suzeraine du Langogne, Dijonnais et de ses annexes (Atuyer, Oscheret, Mémontois), Boulenois, Bassigny, Lassois, Tonnerrois, etc., c'est-à-dire la moitié Bourgogne française, le roi pouvait exercer, à l'occasion, une grande influence en cette région.’ 1179, recovered direct control over became tenant-in-chief crown for all lands powers, whereas own vassals he numbered duke Burgundy Champagne. Later, between 1179 1356, rose rank recognized third ecclesiastical peer realm, taking precedence metropolitan, archbishop Lyons, coronation king. Already first half compared power size great principalities Holy Roman Empire. It included practically bishoprics extended almost towns Troyes Auxerre north west beyond south. Within its boundaries not only old Benedictine abbeys Bèze Bénigne Dijon, but also Molesme, mother-house Cîteaux, newly-founded Cistercian monasteries Clairvaux Morimund.
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