Constructing a traitor: The case of Guichard of Troyes, the nominal bishop of Bosnia in the early fourteenth century

Melina Rokai

doi:10.5937/analipfb2001068r

Abstract

In 1314 Bishop Guichard of Troyes was transferred from the lucrative Episcopal See of Champagne to the Episcopal See of Bosnia, with the seat in Diakovar (nowadays Djakovo, Croatia). This was the consequence of a lengthy trial that baffled both contemporaries and historians alike, and which included a plethora of charges – most notably high treason, murder of the Queen and her mother through witchcraft, heresy, etc. To explain beyond factual reality, the paper regards the concept of treason for which Guichard was tried. To comprehend the methods of construction of treason in Guichard’s case, the paper examines features beyond the accusations and deposited witness testimonies: the social, religious and legal transformations; similarities with contemporary trials of the Templars and of the deceased Pope Boniface VIII. This will facilitate comprehension of the elements that construct or add to the concept of treason and the contemporary notions and institutions that permitted it.

Highlights

In 1314, from 23 January to 14 March, by the decision of Pope Clement V, Bishop Guichard of Troyes (1297–1308), was transferredMelina Rokaito another see, the Episcopal See of Bosnia in Diakovar1 (Rigault 1896, 223).2 The decision made was the final word of a protracted trial of Bishop Guichard that spanned six years (1308–1314), but which could be seen as going back even to 1300
The resolution brought by Pope Clement V can be considered a moot point, or a sort of compromise, as no judgment was passed
In 1313, Guichard was in Avignon with Pope Clement V, who sheltered him there, and the following year the transfer took place (Rigault 1896; Cuttler 1981, 75)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

In 1314, from 23 January to 14 March, by the decision of Pope Clement V, Bishop Guichard of Troyes (1297–1308), was transferred. The relationship between the head of the state and the head of the Catholic world was affected, as the French kings perceived the popes as political leaders more than spiritual ones (Nicholas 1999, 5).The power struggle between the papacy and the king of France during that period had an impact on a cleric or secular person who was accused of “any action that injured the king, the royal line, or the kingdom, or that otherwise diminished the authority of the crown – or was intended to do so” was committing treason (Cuttler 1981, 54) This transformation facilitated the possibility of Guichard’s trial. 12 For more on Bernanrd Saisset, the Cathar movement in Languedoc and the Royal prerogative in the early 14th century see: O’Shea (2011)

13 On Délicieux see

CONCLUSIVE REMARKS