Jeanne de Gontaut facts for kids
Jeanne de Gontaut, Countess of Noailles (born around 1520 – died 26 September 1586) was an important French noblewoman. She was married to Antoine de Noailles, who was a famous French naval commander called an Admiral of France. He also worked as France's Ambassador (a country's official representative) to England from 1553 to 1556. After her husband passed away in 1562, Jeanne became a lady-in-waiting (a female assistant) to Catherine de Medici, who was the Queen Mother of France.
Her Early Life and Marriage
Jeanne de Gontaut was born in France around 1520. Her parents were Raymond de Gontaut and Françoise de Bonafos.
On 31 May 1540, Jeanne married Antoine de Noailles. They had known each other for four years before their marriage contract was signed. At first, Jeanne's father did not want her to marry Antoine. However, King Francis I sent twelve special royal orders, called lettres de cachet, which convinced her father to agree to the marriage.
Jeanne and Antoine had eight children together. Some of their children included:
- Marie de Noailles (born 1543)
- Françoise de Noailles (born 1548)
- Marthe de Noailles (born 1552)
- Henri de Noailles, Count d'Ayen (born 5 July 1554 – died 13 May 1623). He married Jeanne Gemaine d'Espagne in 1578 and had three children.
- Françoise de Noailles (born after June 1556)
Life as an Ambassador's Wife
In 1553, Jeanne's husband, Antoine, was chosen to be the French Ambassador to England. Jeanne went with him to England. While she was there, she visited Queen Mary I several times. Jeanne also wrote many letters, and some of them can still be read today!
Her only son, Henri, was born in London while they were living in England. Queen Mary I became Henri's godmother, which means she promised to help guide him in his life. The Countess of Surrey acted as Queen Mary's representative during the ceremony.
Jeanne was expecting her youngest child, Françoise, when she and her husband returned to France. This was after Antoine's time as ambassador in England ended.
Later Life
After her husband, Antoine de Noailles, died in 1562, Jeanne took on a new role. She became a lady-in-waiting to Catherine de Medici, who was the Queen Mother of France. This meant Jeanne helped and served the Queen Mother.
Jeanne de Gontaut passed away on 26 September 1586. She was about 66 years old.
