François de Lorraine, Grand Prior
French noble and soldier / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
François de Lorraine, Grand Prieur de France de l'Ordre de Malte (18 April 1534 Joinville-6 March 1563)[1] was a French noble and soldier, who fought during the latter Italian Wars. Second youngest of the sons of Claude, Duke of Guise and Antoinette de Bourbon, the Grand Prior was selected for a life with the Order of Malta. In 1549 King Henri II appointed him Grand Prior of the Order in France, giving him access to the revenues of 'commanderies.' He fought with the king in the final years of the Italian Wars, serving in Italy in 1551 and Alsace the following year at the famous defence of Metz. He and his brother Elbeuf played a key role in the capture of Corse in 1553, defending the island against attempted counter attacks by the Genoese.
François de Lorraine | |
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Grand prieuré de France [fr] | |
Born | (1534-04-18)18 April 1534 Joinville |
Died | 6 March 1563(1563-03-06) (aged 28) Provence |
Noble family | House of Guise |
Father | Claude, Duke of Guise |
Mother | Antoinette de Bourbon-Vendôme |
In 1558 he became 'general of the galleys', providing for him a leading role in the planned combined naval campaign of that year with the Ottoman Empire. However, the Ottoman admiral ignored the plan, raiding his way into the western Mediterranean, before forming a compact with the Genoese in return for a large bribe. Thus the campaign could not proceed. In 1559 with the death of Henri II, the Grand Prior was made a chevalier de l'Ordre de Saint-Michel, the highest honour of the time. His role as general of the galleys would be key for the planned Guise expedition to Scotland in the following spring. However, difficulty with his subordinates, government finance issues, and internal instability brought about by the Conspiracy of Amboise would lead to peace being declared in June 1560 with England, cancelling the expedition while the Grand Priors fleet was still travelling up France's west coast. The following year he assisted his niece's entry into Scotland as the new queen. During 1562 he partook in the meeting at Saverne during which the Guise family floated the idea of converting to Lutheranism to restore church unity. He died in March 1563, several days after the assassination of his brother, a heavy blow to his family.