Richelieu was a French clergyman, noble, and statesman. He was born in 1585. His family, although belonging only to the lesser nobility of Poitou, was somewhat prominent. His father was François Du Plessis, seigneur de Richelieu. He was a soldier and courtier who served as the Grand Provost of France. His mother, Susanne de La Porte, was the daughter of a famous jurist. When he was only five years old, his father died fighting in the French Wars of Religion and left the family in debt. However with the aid of royal grants the family was able to avoid financial difficulties. …
