Great Officers of the Crown of France

The Great Offices of the Crown of France ( grands offices de la couronne de France ) were the administrative offices that were directly subordinated to the Middle Ages and the modern era of the French king. Originally introduced to the Merovingian and Carolingian times there were Marshal ( Maréchal ), cupbearer ( Bouteiller ), chamberlain ( Chambrier ) and Seneschal ( Sénéchal ). In addition, soon joined as the fifth Office of the Chancellor ( Chan Cellier ). Later, the other offices followed. Over time, some offices were abolished, others took over the task of empires, the position of the posts to be quality ( hereditary - not hereditary ), and task panes transformed,

Since the beginning of the modern era and clearly since the reign of Louis XIV, the great offices of the crown were without any real influence. Only the Chancellor exercised his duties until the end of the monarchy continues.

All offices were on the disposition of the king, were not transferable, inheritable or negotiable. The incumbents were - appointed for life - with the exception of the Privy Seal.

After ranking ordered that a statement King Henry III. Were established in 1582, there were:

The Grand Almoner of France (grand aumônier de France) and the General Board ( colonels généraux ) are sometimes also regarded as the owner of large offices of the crown.

About the Great Offices of the crown also existed a number of major offices of the household of the King of France, ( grands offices de la maison du roi de France) which must not be confused with the treated here large offices.

Furthermore, some royal court offices a posteriori be considered a large offices of the Crown:

The last three posts were not consistently included in the list of Kronämter France.