Duke of Gramont explained

Dukedom of Gramont
Creation Date:1643 ; 1648
Peerage:France
First Holder:Antoine II de Gramont-Touloujon, 1st Duke of Gramont
Heir Apparent:none
Subsidiary Titles:Count of Guiche
Prince of Bidache
Viscount of Aster[1]

The title of Duke of Gramont (duc de Gramont) is a French dukedom and former peerage. It was created in 1648 for French Marshal Antoine III de Gramont.

History

The family of Gramont was a Navarrese medieval noble house and owned the chateau of Bidache. They held land in Lower Navarre and in neighbouring Gascony, part of the kingdom of France. As their liege lords, the kings of Navarre, they played an active role in French politics. The last heiress of the house, Claire de Gramont (died in 1534) wed Menaut d'Aure and their son Antoine took the name Gramont rather than d'Aure.

Antoine de Gramont was a leading noblemen in south-west France during the Wars of Religion. At first, a Calvinist and lieutenant general to Queen Jeanne d'Albret, he switched sides to Catholicism and King Charles IX's service. He was created Count of Guiche in 1563. Antoine de Gramont was also the first Gramont to claim sovereignty over the Principality of Bidache. His grandson, also named Antoine de Gramont, viceroy of Navarra, was created Duke of Gramont in 1643.

Another famous member of the ducal house was Philibert de Gramont (1621–1707), younger son of the first Duke.

Counts of Guiche

Duke of Gramont, 1st Creation

Dukes of Gramont, 2nd Creation

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: The New international encyclopaedia. 9. Daniel Coit Gilman. Harry Thurston Peck. Frank Moore Colby. Dodd, Mead and company. 1906 .