Urbain de Maillé, 1st Marquis of Brézé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Urbain de Maillé, 1st Marquis of Brézé
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1835 portrait by Jérôme-Martin Langlois, commissioned by King Louis Philippe I
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| Nickname(s) | le maréchal de Brézé |
| Born | 30 March 1598 Brézé, Maine-et-Loire |
| Died | 13 February 1650 (aged 51) Milly-le-Meugon, Maine-et-Loire |
| Buried |
St Pierre church, Milly-le-Meugon
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| Allegiance |  France |
| Years of service | 1620–1642 |
| Rank | Marshal of France |
| Commands held | Governor of Saumur 1626 Governor of Calais 1632 French Viceroy of Catalonia, 1641-1642 |
| Battles/wars | Huguenot rebellions La Rochelle; Saint-Martin-de-Ré War of the Mantuan Succession Castelnaudary Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659) Les Avins; Leuven; Turin; Catalan Revolt Montmeló; Lleida (1642); |
| Awards | Order of the Holy Spirit |
| Other work | Ambassador to Sweden 1632 |
Urbain de Maillé, 1st Marquis of Brézé (born 1598, died 1650) was an important French soldier and diplomat in the 1600s. He held the high rank of Marshal of France. He also served as an Ambassador to Sweden in 1632. Later, he became the Viceroy of Catalonia from 1641 to 1642.
His marriage helped him become very successful and wealthy. He married the younger sister of Cardinal Richelieu, who was France's chief minister from 1624 to 1642. His son became a top naval officer. His daughter married Louis, Grand Condé, a famous French prince and general. After Cardinal Richelieu died in 1642, Urbain de Maillé lost his official positions. He spent the rest of his life at his home in Milly-le-Meugon, where he passed away in 1650.
Contents
Who Was Urbain de Maillé?
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Urbain de Maillé-Brézé was born in 1598. His father was Charles de Maillé, who was a Seigneur of Brézé. This title meant he was a lord of a specific area. His family was part of the gentry, which was a social class below the highest nobility.
In 1617, Urbain married Nicole du Plessis. She was the younger sister of Cardinal Richelieu. Richelieu was a very powerful person in France at the time. He was the chief minister for the king. This marriage was a big step up for Urbain.
Urbain's Family Life
Urbain and Nicole had two children together. Their son was Jean Armand de Maillé-Brézé (1619-1646). He grew up to become an admiral in the navy. He also inherited the title of Duke of Fronsac from his uncle.
Their daughter was Claire Clémence de Maillé (1628–1694). She married the Prince of Condé (1621-1686). This was a very important marriage for the family. Even though Claire had a huge dowry, the Prince of Condé was not happy about the marriage. He felt she was not from a high enough social class for him.
Urbain's Military and Diplomatic Career
Urbain de Maillé-Brézé was a skilled soldier. His marriage to Richelieu's sister helped him get important jobs. In 1620, he was put in charge of the personal guards of Marie de' Medici. She was the mother of the king.
Fighting in the Huguenot Rebellions
From 1622 to 1630, Urbain fought in the Huguenot rebellions. These were conflicts against French Protestants called Huguenots. He was involved in major battles like the Siege of La Rochelle and the Siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. These were important events in French history.
Battles and Victories
Urbain also fought in the War of the Mantuan Succession (1628-1631). In March 1629, he helped the French army storm barricades at the Pas de Suse. This was a famous and brave action. Soon after, they ended the siege of Casale Monferrato. They also captured the important fortress of Pinerolo.
In 1635, he led the Army of Germany with another general. They successfully took over Heidelberg and Speyer. Later that year, he led the French army into Flanders. They won the Battle of Les Avins against the Spanish. However, their attempt to capture Leuven was not successful.
In 1641, he worked with another general, the duc de la Meilleraye. Together, they quickly captured Lens in just three days. They also took Aire-sur-la-Lys in August and Bapaume in September.
Viceroy of Catalonia and Retirement
After these victories, Urbain was made the Viceroy of Catalonia. This area had just been taken by France. He tried to push the Spanish out of other towns like Collioure and Perpignan. But he was not able to do so.
In May 1642, he was replaced as Viceroy. He then retired from his military duties. He spent the rest of his life at his castle in Milly-le-Meugon.
Later Life and Legacy
Urbain's son was killed in the Battle of Orbetello in June 1646. He was buried in a local church. Urbain de Maillé-Brézé himself died on February 13, 1650. He was also buried in the same church.
