House of Noailles facts for kids
The House of Noailles was a powerful French noble family. Their name came from the Noailles castle in Ayen, France. The first well-known member of this family was Antoine Noailles (1504–1562). He was a top naval officer, known as the Admiral of France. He also served as an ambassador to England.
Antoine's son, Henri, was given the title of Count of Ayen by Henry IV of France. Later, Henri's grandson, Anne (who died in 1768), became very important during the early rule of Louis XIV of France. He was a military leader in Roussillon and later became the Duke of Ayen.
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Important Family Titles
Members of the Noailles family held many important titles. One main title was Duke of Noailles, created in 1663. Younger sons often used the title Count of Ayen. This was a countship in their home region of Auvergne.
After 1711, some family members also had the special title of Grandee of Spain. This was a very high honor in Spain. The title "Prince of Poix" was usually given to the person who would inherit the Mouchy dukedom. The future Duke of Noailles was often called the Duke of Ayen as a courtesy title.
The family also produced four cardinals (high-ranking church officials). Several members became Marshals of France, who were top military commanders. A younger branch of the family, the Duke of Mouchy, also came from the Noailles family.
Dukes of Noailles
Here are some of the people who held the title of Duke of Noailles:
- Anne de Noailles (1613–1678)
- Anne Jules de Noailles (1650–1708)
- Adrien Maurice de Noailles (1678–1766)
- Louis de Noailles (1737–1766)
- Jean Louis Paul François de Noailles (1739–1824)
- Paul de Noailles (1802–1885)
The Noailles Home in Paris
The Noailles family owned a large house in Paris called the Hôtel de Noailles. This is where Madame de La Fayette was born. She was a famous woman who married Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette. He was a French officer and a hero of the American Revolution.
Adrienne and Gilbert got married in the chapel of the Hôtel de Noailles. This happened on April 11, 1774. The couple lived in this grand house for the first few years of their marriage.
Other Notable Family Members
- Adrienne, Madame de La Fayette: She was the wife of the Marquis de La Fayette. He was a French officer and a hero of the American Revolution.
- Marie Victoire de Noailles: She married a grandson of Louis XIV of France. She was known as the Duchess of Penthièvre through her marriage to Louis Jean Marie de Bourbon.
See also
In Spanish: Ducado de Noailles para niños
