Constant d'Aubigné
Constant d'Aubigné (1585 – 31 August 1647) was a French nobleman, son of Théodore-Agrippa d'Aubigné, the poet, soldier, propagandist and chronicler. Born into a Huguenot family, Constant led a less structured life, first embracing Protestantism and then the Catholic causes, visiting England and then in 1626 betraying the Protestants by revealing English plans to take La Rochelle. As a result he was disinherited by his father.
Legacy
Constant was twice married. His first wife, Anne Marchant, left a son, Theodore. His second wife, Jeanne de Cardilhac, was the mother of Charles (father of Françoise Charlotte d'Aubigné), Mme. de Maintenon and the Chevalier d'Aubigné; the latter was never married. The d'Aubigné line was continued through Anne Marchant's son, Theodore (1613–1670) . The name of d'Aubigné can be found on the rolls of Battle Abbey among the list of knights who fell at The Battle of Hastings. Others survived the conquest, and are mentioned in Hume's History as champions of Magna Charta.[1]
Final Days
Richelieu had d'Aubigné and his family imprisoned at Niort in 1629 for correspondence with the English. Released in 1639 following the death of Richelieu, the family went to the French West Indies, where d'Aubigné had been made governor of Marie-Galante, though he and his family remained on Martinique. d'Aubigné returned around 1645, nearly destitute, and died in 1647. His wife and children returned to France the same year.
Notes
- ↑ Smedes 1887, p. 8.
Resources
- Haag, Eugéne & Émile. "La France Protestante". Paris, 1877.
- Smedes, Susan Dabney. "A Southern Planter: Social Life in the Old South". Pott, 1887; p. 7,8
- Bellet, Jaquelin & Jaquelin. "Some Prominent Virginia Families". J.P. Bell company, 1907; p. 87-93