Nicolay family facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nicolay |
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| Current region | France and former colonies, United Kingdom and former colonies, Germany, Russia, United States, Australia, India, Canada and South Africa. |
| Place of origin | France |
The Nicolay family (sometimes spelled de Nicolaÿ or Nicolaï) is a very old and important family from Europe. Their story began in Southern France in the early 1300s. Some clues even suggest their roots go back further to the city of Florence, Italy, during the start of the Florentine Renaissance.
The Nicolay family was known among the noble classes in France. Members of this family became very powerful. They were important in government, law, the church, and even in the military. They also held fancy titles like marquis, count, and baron.
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Where the Nicolay Family Began
The first known person from the de Nicolay family was Guy (also called Guglielmo). He was born near Florence, Italy. Around 1305, he traveled with Pope Clement V when the Pope moved to Poitiers, France.
Guy's son, Guy (II), also moved to France. He settled in a town called Bourg-Saint-Andéol. Guy (II) and his wife had a son named Ahoult. Ahoult became a very important person. He worked for the King in the Vivarais region.
Ahoult and his wife had a son named Guy III. Guy III had two sons, Jean and Raymond. Jean started the branch of the family known as the Marquis de Goussainville. Raymond started the branch called the Baronnie de Sabran.
The Nicolay Family in France
Over many centuries, the Nicolay family grew and became very powerful in France. Many family members held important jobs for the country.
For example, one Nicolay became a Marshal of France in 1775. Others were Generals in the army. Four family members became Bishops in the church. One was even the First Chaplain to the mother of King Louis XVI.
The family also produced many Knights of Malta. From 1506 to 1794, nine members of the family were Presidents of the Chamber of Accounts. This was a very important financial role.
In 1645, Anne of Austria, who was the Queen of France, rewarded the Nicolay family. She made their land at Goussainville a "Marquisat." This meant it was a special area ruled by a Marquis.
By the late 1400s, the family split into two main groups. One group was the Barons De Sabran, living in Ardèche. The other was the Marquis de Goussainville, living near Paris. In 1815, King Louis XVIII made Aymard-Charles-Marie-Theodore Marquis De Nicolay a hereditary peer. This meant his title would pass down through his family.
Other famous Nicolay family members included Nicolas de Nicolay. He was a special geographer for Henry II of France. He traveled all over Europe and the Turkish Empire. In 1568, he wrote a book about his travels.
The Nicolay Family in England
The Nicolay family also had a branch in England. Gaspard de Nicolay came to England in 1736. He traveled with Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, who was going to marry Frederick, Prince of Wales.
Gaspard worked for Princess Augusta and Prince Frederick for many years. Gaspard and his wife had two sons, Frederick and Christian Frederick.
Elder Branch in England
Frederick, the elder son, became a favorite of King George III. When the King was getting married, he sent Frederick to help his future Queen, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Frederick became a close friend to the King and Queen. He lived in St. James's Palace.
Frederick was a violinist in the Queen's band. He also managed the Queen's music library. Frederick and his wife had 13 children, but only three lived to be adults. He passed away in 1809.
Frederick's three sons were George Louisa, Frederick, and William. Reverend George Louisa Nicolay became a church leader. Frederick became a chief clerk for the British government.
Frederick's sixth child was Charles Grenfell Nicolay. He was a clergyman and a scientist. He helped start Queen's College, London. This was the first college for women in England.
Lieutenant-General Sir William Nicolay was a brave army officer. He fought in many important battles, including the Battle of Waterloo. Sir William later became the Governor of places like St Kitts and Mauritius. He was given a special honor called the Knight Commander of the Royal Guelphic Order.
Younger Branch in England
Christian Frederick, Gaspard's younger son, became a doctor. He was the private doctor for Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III. He took care of her for two years.
Christian Frederick had three sons and two daughters. Only two of his children survived: Augusta Georgiana Louisa Nicolay and Thomas Frederick Nicolay. Augusta was a goddaughter to King George IV.
Thomas Frederick Nicolay became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the army. He was also a surgeon. He had three sons: Christian William, Frederick Lewis, and Thomas Frederick. All three worked for the East India Company.
Lt-Colonel Sir Frederick Lewis died in India in 1855. Captain Thomas Frederick was killed in 1853 during a war in Burma. Lieutenant Christian William was also in the army before he retired.
The Nicolay Family in Germany
Many important people came from the German branch of the Nicolay family. These included:
- Philipp Nicolai – He was a Lutheran pastor, a poet, and a composer of music.
- John George Nicolay – He was the private secretary to United States President Abraham Lincoln.
- Otto Nicolai – He was a conductor and composer. He also started the famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
See also
- Ludwig Heinrich von Nicolay
- Monrepos Park
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for the House of Nicolay.
