Charles V (of France)

Charles V (of France), called The Wise (1337-1380), king of France (1364-1380), born in Vincennes. He was the son of King John II. When John was captured in September 1356 by the English at Poitiers during the Hundred Years' War, Charles assumed the regency. The most significant events of his regency were the Jacquerie (a peasant revolt) and the insurrection of Paris under Étienne Marcel. Upon the death of his father, Charles ascended the throne. War with the English continued for a number of years, but with results highly favorable to Charles, who stripped them of most of their conquests in France and strengthened the power of the monarchy. A generous patron of literature and the arts, Charles founded (1367) the first royal library in France. During his reign the Bastille was added to the fortifications of Paris. He was succeeded by his son, Charles VI.