Antonin Nompar de Caumont, 1st Duke of Lauzun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antonin Nompar de Caumont
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| 1st Duke of Lauzun | |
Portrait by Alexis Simon Belle, 1700
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Antonin Nompar de Caumont
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| Other titles | Count of Puyguilhem |
| Born | 1632 Lauzun, France |
| Died | 19 November 1723 (aged 90) France |
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| Issue | None |
| Father | Gabriel de Caumont, Count of Lauzun |
| Mother | Charlotte de Caumont |
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Antonin Nompar de Caumont, 1st Duke of Lauzun (1632–19 November 1723) was a French courtier and soldier. He was known for his close relationship with Anne Marie Louise d'Orléans, Duchess of Montpensier, a very wealthy princess and cousin of King Louis XIV.
He is also remembered for leading a French army group. This group fought alongside the Jacobite Irish Army during the Williamite War. After losing the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690, his group went back to Galway. From there, they were sent back to France. Even after this, he remained an important person at the Jacobite court in exile, especially with Mary of Modena.
Contents
Life Story of Antonin Nompar de Caumont
Antonin Nompar de Caumont was born in 1632. His father was Gabriel de Caumont, Count of Lauzun. His mother was Charlotte de Caumont. He grew up with the children of a relative, Antoine III de Gramont. One of these children, Catherine Charlotte, later became a princess.
Early Career and Royal Favor
Antonin joined the army and served under Turenne. In 1655, he took over his father's role. He became the commander of the cent gentilshommes de la maison de roi. At this time, he was known as the Count of Puyguilhem. He quickly became a favorite of King Louis XIV. He became a colonel of the royal dragoon regiment. He was also made a maréchal de camp, which is a high military rank.
Lauzun was known for his sharp wit and clever jokes. King Louis XIV enjoyed his company. However, Lauzun's strong feelings and quick temper sometimes caused him trouble. Once, he tried to get a high position as grand-master of the artillery. When the king refused, Lauzun turned his back on the king. He broke his sword and swore he would never serve a king who broke his word. This led to a short time in the Bastille prison. But he soon returned to his role at court.
Relationship with La Grande Mademoiselle
Meanwhile, Anne, Duchess of Montpensier, known as La Grande Mademoiselle, became very fond of Lauzun. She was one of the richest women in Europe. Lauzun, of course, encouraged this relationship. Their wedding was planned for December 21, 1670. However, on December 18, King Louis XIV called his cousin and stopped the marriage.
Powerful figures at court, including Madame de Montespan and Louvois, helped arrange Lauzun's arrest. In November 1671, he was moved from the Bastille to Pignerol prison. Strict measures were taken to keep him locked up.
Time in Prison
While in Pignerol, Lauzun was eventually allowed to meet another prisoner, Nicolas Fouquet. Before this, he was very clever. He managed to climb through a chimney to get into Fouquet's room. Another time, he even reached the prison courtyard safely. He was also supposed to be kept away from another prisoner, Eustache Dauger. Dauger is thought to be the famous Man in the Iron Mask. He sometimes worked as a valet for Fouquet.
The prison governor, Bénigne Dauvergne de Saint-Mars, reported on Lauzun's behavior. He said Lauzun's cell was always messy. He also let his beard grow long, which made him look wild. Once, he tried to escape through a tunnel. But a maid saw him and raised the alarm, stopping his escape.
Release and Later Life
The king made it clear that Lauzun would only be freed if Mademoiselle gave up some of her properties. These properties included the principality of Dombes, the county of Eu, and the duchy of Aumale. She was to give them to Louis Auguste de Bourbon, Duke of Maine. He was the eldest son of Louis XIV and Madame de Montespan. Mademoiselle agreed to this.
However, even after ten years in prison, Lauzun refused to sign the documents. He was brought to Bourbon for this purpose. A short time in prison at Chalon-sur-Saône finally made him change his mind. But even after his release, King Louis XIV was still against their marriage. It is believed that they might have secretly married anyway.
After his release, Lauzun openly showed interest in Nicolas Fouquet's daughter. He had met her at Pignerol. He was supposed to get his place back at court and marry her. However, she married someone else in 1683.
Service in England and Ireland
In 1685, Lauzun went to England. He hoped to find new opportunities under King James II. He had served James II when he was the Duke of York in Flanders. Lauzun quickly gained much influence at the English court. In 1688, he was in England again. He helped arrange the journey into exile for Mary of Modena and the infant prince. He went with them to Calais. There, he received strict orders from King Louis XIV to bring them to Vincennes "on any pretext."
In late 1689, Lauzun was put in charge of an expedition. This group was sent from Brest to serve in Ireland. He sailed there the following year. Lauzun was honest, which was not common among James II's officials in Ireland. However, he had no experience leading in battle. He followed Richard Talbot, Earl of Tyrconnel without question. After the battle of the Boyne, they fled to Limerick. Then they went west, leaving Patrick Sarsfield to fight bravely. In September, they sailed back to France. When they arrived at Versailles, Lauzun found that his failure had cost him King Louis XIV's favor.
Later Years and Legacy
Mademoiselle passed away in 1693. Two years later, Lauzun married Genevieve de Durfort. She was only fourteen years old. Queen Mary, who helped Lauzun get his dukedom, still trusted him. In 1715, more than twenty-five years after the flight from Whitehall, he brought her the news of the Battle of Sheriffmuir. After Lauzun's death, his dukedom went to his niece's husband, Charles Armand de Gontaut.
See also
In Spanish: Antoine Nompar de Caumont para niños
Images for kids
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Portrait by Alexis Simon Belle, 1700 (also in Infobox)
