Marmousets facts for kids
The marmousets were a special group of advisors to Charles VI of France. People sometimes called them les petites gens, which means "the little people." They were not princes or official government workers. But they were very close to the king. This special friendship allowed them to reach important positions in the government. These men were also known for sticking together. Charles VI chose them in 1388, and they promised to stay united as friends.
Their name, "marmousets," is similar to the word for monkeys. At that time, it was also a nickname for the English people.
Who Were the Marmousets?
The marmousets were a group of eight trusted advisors to King Charles VI. They included both church leaders and important lords. They all swore to remain united and support each other.
Here are some of the key members:
- Bureau de La Rivière: He was a top advisor to both Charles V and Charles VI. He held the important role of Chamberlain. This meant he managed the king's household and personal affairs.
- Jean Le Mercier: He also advised both Charles V and Charles VI. He was a trusted Councillor, helping the king make big decisions.
- Jean de Montaigu: Another Royal Councillor who helped guide the king.
- Nicolas du Bosc: He was a religious leader, the Bishop of Bayeux.
- Olivier V de Clisson: He held the powerful title of Constable of France. This meant he was the commander of the king's army.
- Pierre le Bègue de Villaines: An important figure among the advisors.
- Pierre Aycelin de Montaigut: He was a Cardinal, a high-ranking church official. He also served as a Royal Councillor.
- Guillaume IV de Melun: He was the Count of Tancarvile, a noble with significant influence.
How the Marmousets Rose to Power
Charles VI became king in 1380 when he was only 11 years old. Because he was so young, his four uncles ruled France for him. These uncles were the dukes of Burgundy, Berry, Anjou, and Bourbon. They acted as his regents, meaning they governed the country until the king was old enough.
In November 1388, a church leader named Pierre Aycelin de Montaigut suggested something big. He proposed that King Charles VI should take full control of the government. He believed the king was ready to rule on his own.
After this suggestion, the marmousets quickly became Charles VI's main advisors. They formed his privy council, which was a group of close advisors who helped the king make important decisions. They promised to stay loyal and work together.
The Fall of the Marmousets
The marmousets' time as the king's main advisors ended on August 5, 1392. This happened because King Charles VI began to suffer from mental illness. He became unable to rule effectively.
When the king's health declined, the marmousets lost their power. Some of them faced harsh consequences. Jean Le Mercier, Bureau de La Rivière, and Pierre le Bègue de Villaines were put in prison. Jean de Montaigu managed to escape to Avignon, a city in France. Olivier V de Clisson was fined a huge amount of money, lost his title, and was sent away from France.
Even though they lost their power as a group, some marmousets eventually returned to government jobs. They held less important positions. They were no longer a strong team, but their ideas lived on. Many of their policies and ways of thinking were later used by Charles VII. He became the natural heir to their ideas and put them into practice.
