Belle-perche Pierre De

Belle-Perche Pierre De a French prelate and statesman, was born of very obscure parentage at Lucenai, in Nivernais. He was first doctor regent in civil law at Orleans, then counsellor of Parliament. Philip the Fair especially drew him into intimate relations with himself about 1296, and confided to him many important missions; Belle-Perche had charge of the negotiations of Flanders in 1300, then was sent to England, and afterwards to Rome. iHe negotiated for the treaty of peace of Amiens in 1302. between France and England. In 1303 he returned to Rome, and in 1305 was sent to the archbishop of Bordeaux, who became pope under the name of Clement V, and accompanied him to Italy. In 1306 his important services gained for him the bishopric of Auxerre and the title of chancellor of France. He was well versed in canonical law, and was one of the principal counsellors of Philip the Fair, and took an important part in the enterprises of this prince, who passed a great part of his life in contest against, the spiritual power. He died at Paris, Jan. 17, 1307. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Gen., s.v.