1081-1151
Abbot

Royal Favorite. Suger, abbot of one of the most influential monasteries in France and close adviser to two kings, came from a humble background. When he was about nine or ten years old, his parents dedicated him to the monastery of St. Denis. There he had for a friend and fellow-student, the future King Louis VI (Louis the Fat). In 1106 he became secretary to Adam, the abbot of St. Denis. Adam sent him to a monastery near Fontrevault, Normandy for further education. Later he attended the Council of Poitiers as the abbot's representative. Suger was subsequently given charge of a defunct monastery in Normandy, where he succeeded in restoring the estates of the monastery. In 1109 he was sent to Touryen Beauce near Chartres, and he also managed to restore this domain to prosperity. He remained the close friend and adviser of Louis...