Abbot Suger And The Birth of Gothic Architecture

Abbot Suger, Westman, (1081 – 1151) is credited as the father of Gothic architecture. In 1091 at the age of 10, Suger was given to the abbey of Saint Denis as an oblate in the service of God. Suger rose to be one of the most influential church and statesman of the Middle Ages. Suger was active in both religion and politics. He was confidant and counselor to both Louis VI and Louis VII. He is most remembered for inventing the Gothic style of architecture in the rebuilding of Saint Denis basilica outside of Paris.