A storybook figure. A merchant at the head of a huge network of trading posts, Jacques Cœur was appointed master of the mint to King Charles VII in 1438. He was ennobled in 1441 and became the King's right-hand man. The palace (1443-1451) is testimony to his rank. Court jealousies led to his arrest in 1451. Escaping from prison, he fled to Rome. He died of disease when leading a Crusade in 1456. Jacques Cœur became a legendary figure and French poet François Villon wrote of his life and deeds.
A public building. The building was used as the town hall in the 17th century and as a tribunal and finally law courts from 1820. It was included on the first official list of historic monuments in 1840.
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