Camille d'Hostun, duc de Tallard facts for kids

Camille d'Hostun de la Baume, Duke of Tallard (born February 14, 1652 – died March 20, 1728), was an important French noble, a skilled diplomat, and a brave military leader. He eventually became a Marshal of France, which was a very high military rank.

Military Career of Tallard

Tallard joined the French army when he was just 15 years old. He served under famous commanders like the Prince de Condé in the Netherlands. Later, he fought under Turenne in Alsace starting in 1674. He was promoted to a senior military rank called maréchal de camp in 1678. He also served during the Nine Years' War (1688–1697).

His close friendship with King Louis XIV helped him gain important positions. After the war, Tallard spent two years as an ambassador in England. He was very knowledgeable about European politics, which was a great help. When King James II died in 1701, King Louis XIV recognized James's son as the new King of England. Because of this, King William III of England sent Tallard away from London in 1702.

Tallard's military career reached its peak during the War of the Spanish Succession. On September 7, 1703, he and the Duke of Burgundy captured the town of Breisach. Tallard then attacked Landau in mid-October. A relief army, led by the Prince of Hesse-Kassel, tried to help Landau. However, Tallard's forces completely defeated them at the Battle of Speyerbach on November 15. As a result, Landau surrendered two days later. Soon after this victory, Tallard was given the high title of Marshal of France.

In 1704, Tallard was sent to help the Franco-Bavarian army. This army, led by Maximilian II Emanuel and Marshal Marsin, was on the Danube river. It was being threatened by the allied armies of the Duke of Marlborough and Prince Eugene. Tallard left Strasbourg on July 1. He tried to besiege Villingen for six days but had to give up on July 22. Even so, Marshal Tallard managed to lead 34,000 soldiers through the Black Forest. They reached Ulm on August 5.

Tallard was put in charge of the combined French and Bavarian army. However, the Battle of Blenheim on August 13, 1704, was a terrible defeat for his forces. He was captured during the battle and taken to England. He stayed there on parole, meaning he promised not to escape, in places like Chatsworth, Derbyshire and Newdigate House in Nottingham. The writer Daniel Defoe even mentioned his "small, but beautiful parterre, after the French fashion" as one of the lovely sights in Nottingham. During his time in Britain, Tallard is said to have introduced celery to English cuisine.

Later Life and Achievements

When he was released in 1711, Tallard returned to France. Despite the huge loss at Blenheim, King Louis XIV did not seem to hold it against him. Tallard was made a duke in 1712. He also became a Peer of France in 1715, which was a high noble title. In King Louis XIV's will, Tallard was named to the Council of Regency. However, the Duke of Orléans later cancelled the king's will. Tallard was chosen as president of the Académie des Sciences in 1724. In 1726, he became a French minister of state. He passed away in 1728.

Family Life

Camille d'Hostun de la Baume married Marie-Catherine de Grolée de Viriville-La Tivolière. They had one son:

• Marie Joseph d'Hostun de La Baume-Tallard, Duke of Hostun, Duke of Tallart (born 1683). He married Marie Isabelle de Rohan, who was the daughter of Hercule Mériadec, Duke of Rohan-Rohan and Anne Geneviève de Lévis. Marie Isabelle later became the Governess for the children of Louis XV from 1735 to 1754. Marie Joseph and Marie Isabelle did not have any children.

Images for kids

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  Camille d'Hostun de la Baume, Duc de Tallard (1652–1728)

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  Plaque on Newdigate House

See also

In Spanish: Camille d'Hostun de la Baume para niños