Odet De Coligny

c.1517-1571. French cardinal, later a Protestant leader. Created cardinal in 1533 and bishop-count of Beauvais shortly afterward, he became the national grand inquisitor in 1560, but did little in that capacity. In 1561 he created a sensation by embracing the Reformed faith. Endeavoring with his brother Gaspard de Coligny* to alleviate the persecution of the Huguenots,* he was excommunicated, and in 1568 fled to London, where Queen Elizabeth welcomed him warmly. Poisoned-it is said, by his valet-at the instigation of Catherine de' Medici, he is buried in Canterbury Cathedral.