Mathieu II de Montmorency
Who was Mathieu II de Montmorency?
Lord of Montmorency
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Mathieu II de Montmorency (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Mathieu II de Montmorency (1174–1230), also known as 'the Great' or 'the Great Constable,' was a significant French nobleman. He became lord of Montmorency in 1189 and Constable of France from 1218 to 1230. Born into one of France's top noble families, he was the son of Bouchard V de Montmorency and Lauretta de Hainaut, daughter of Baldwin IV of Hainault. He began to rise to prominence during the Third Crusade when he took over as Marshal of France at the siege of Acre after Albéric Clément was killed, shortly after his own father's death at the same siege in 1189 or 1190.
After returning from the Holy Land, Mathieu played a key role in King Philip Augustus's military efforts. He proved his worth during the French conquest of Normandy, particularly at the siege of Château Gaillard in 1204, where his strategy led to a French victory. His military skills shone at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, where he captured twelve enemy banners, an achievement that led to the Montmorency coat of arms being changed to include sixteen eagles instead of the original four.
As Constable of France from 1218, Mathieu continued to serve the crown capably during Louis VIII's reign. He took part in the Albigensian Crusade in 1215 and later led successful campaigns against English-held areas in France, capturing La Rochelle and several other key cities in 1224. His loyalty to the French monarchy was vital during the succession crisis after Louis VIII's death in 1226, when he safeguarded the interests of the young future Louis IX and supported Queen-Regent Blanche of Castile during a potentially unstable period.
Mathieu married twice, first to Gertrude de Nesle-Soissons and then to Emma de Laval, both unions typical of the political alliances among high nobility at the time. He died in 1230 in Brittany while returning from a campaign against Anjou, ending a four-decade career of French military expansion. His service under three successive monarchs and his role in important victories that expanded French control made him one of the most important military leaders of his generation.
Before Fame
Mathieu II de Montmorency was born into a noble family at a time when the Montmorency household was already one of France's top baronial families. Growing up in the late 12th century, his early years were influenced by a culture where noble sons were expected to prove themselves in battle and join the Crusades. After his father, Bouchard V, died at the siege of Acre during the Third Crusade, young Mathieu inherited the Montmorency lordship and quickly took on military responsibilities at just fifteen.
The Third Crusade was a turning point for Mathieu, helping him grow from a young nobleman into a military leader. When Marshal Albéric Clément died during the siege of Acre, Mathieu was chosen to replace him, showing both his potential and the trust that French commanders had in him. This early experience in leading at a high level during the Crusades gave him valuable skills for his future campaigns in France.
Key Achievements
- Served as Marshal of France during the Third Crusade and safely led French forces back from the Holy Land
- Played a crucial role in the French conquest of Normandy and the siege of Château Gaillard in 1204
- Captured twelve enemy banners at the decisive Battle of Bouvines in 1214
- Successfully captured La Rochelle and other English-held cities for Louis VIII in 1224
- Protected the interests of the infant Louis IX and Queen-Regent Blanche of Castile after Louis VIII's death in 1226
Did You Know?
- 01.The Montmorency coat of arms was permanently modified to include sixteen eagles instead of four to commemorate his capture of twelve enemy banners at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214
- 02.He inherited his lordship at age fifteen when his father died at the siege of Acre during the Third Crusade
- 03.Despite being called 'the Great Constable,' he only held the office of Constable of France for the final twelve years of his life
- 04.His military career spanned the reigns of Philip Augustus, Louis VIII, and the early regency of Louis IX
- 05.He died while returning from a military campaign, maintaining active field command until the end of his life at age fifty-six