Anne de Montmorency

Timeline

1. 1493–1515Chantilly · OiseBorn at the family seat of Chantilly, he was educated at court alongside Francis (later Francis I), forming a close youthful friendship. Trained in knighthood and warfare from childhood, he later took part in the Italian Wars, fighting at the Battle of Marignano (1515) and beginning to build a reputation on military merit.
2. 1515–1538Paris · Île-de-FranceHe took part in numerous Italian War campaigns, was made Marshal of France in 1522, and was promoted to Grand Master of France in 1526. After the Battle of Pavia (1525) he engaged in French diplomatic maneuvering, helping advance negotiations for the Treaty of Cambrai (1529), further securing his position.
3. 1538–1541Nice · Alpes-MaritimesIn February 1538 Francis I granted him the title of Constable of France, the kingdom's highest military and political honor, and that same year he helped mediate the Truce of Nice. In 1541, following the defeat at the Battle of Perpignan and disagreements over negotiations with Spain, he lost the king's favor and was forced to retire to his fief at Chantilly.
4. 1547–1567Paris · Île-de-FranceAfter the death of Francis I, Henry II ascended the throne (1547) and immediately recalled Montmorency, restoring his title of Constable. He was thereafter active in the early military campaigns of the Wars of Religion, was captured by Spanish forces at the Battle of Saint-Quentin in 1557 and later released. In 1562 he took part in the Battle of Dreux to suppress the Huguenots. He was gravely wounded at the Battle of Saint-Denis on 10 November 1567 and died two days later, aged 74.