François Olivier

François Olivier, Sieur de Leuvillé (-30 March 1560) was Chancellor of France from 1545 to his death in 1560. After having spent his early career serving in the ''Parlement'' and chancelleries of the royal family he was elevated to the prestigious role of Chancellor of France upon the disgrace of Guillaume Poyet.

In this role he worked closely with the kings on royal policy, serving as a member of the ''conseil des affaires'' under both François I and Henri II. Under Henri he championed a limited view of ''Parlement'' authority in favour of the king. In 1551 he would have the seals of the office removed from him and given to Jean de Bertrand, a favourite of Diane de Poitiers, while he would continue to be chancellor he was removed from any real power under the pretext of ill health. He retired to his estates where he spent the next eight years.

In 1559 upon the death of Henri II, Diane was disgraced, and her favourite removed from the seals. Olivier was summoned to resume the full chancellorship of France and found himself central once more to the administration of the young king. With the crisis of the Conspiracy of Amboise Olivier was a supporter of the crown's new direction, championing the Edict of Amboise. He would not long outlive the attack on Amboise, dying on 30 March. Provided by Wikipedia