Matthew of Vendôme (abbot)

He most likely entered Saint-Denis out of devotion to Saint Denis, whose cult was kept at the parish church of Thoré in the Vendômois.

[3] In 1258, Matthew was elected to succeed Abbot Henri Mallet, under whose rule the monastery had gained a reputation for laxity.

Pope Alexander IV also released him from the debts racked up by his predecessor, while Louis IX relieved the abbey of the duty of providing hospitality (gîte) to the king and his household.

[4] Along with Simon of Nesle, Matthew acted as regent of France during Louis IX's absence on the Eighth Crusade in 1270.

He initiated a program of tomb refurbishment, possibly at the instigation of Louis IX, to bolster Saint-Denis's position as the royal necropolis.

A presentation miniature depicting Matthew (centre, mitred) standing over the monk Primat (kneeling), who wrote the text and hands it to the king (seated, crowned) while the royal court and three monks look on.