Enguerrand De Marigny: Childhood and youth
In French medieval history, there are many characters who have left an indelible mark. Enguerrand de Marigny is undoubtedly one of them. This article focuses on the youth and childhood of this little-known, but extremely influential, historical figure.
Birth and family
Enguerrand de Marigny was born in 1260 into a family of minor nobility in Normandy, a fact which would have a significant influence on the rest of his life. The precise details of his family are a little hazy, but it is generally accepted that he had two brothers, Jean and Nicolas.
Educational Background
He studied law, a discipline that allowed him to enter the world of politics and power. This choice of study was rare for someone of his social position at the time, which attests to his ambition and intelligence.
Carrier start
The beginning of his career was characterized by a rapid rise, due in large part to his skill and daring. His talent for management and administration attracted the attention of many influential nobles. It’s only a matter of time before he gains the favor of the royal family.
The childhood and youth of Enguerrand de Marigny shed interesting light on his ambitions and subsequent successes. These early years laid the foundation for the complex and influential political figure he became.
Enguerrand De Marigny’s rise to power
In those times when power and nobility were closely linked, we meet a personality who, against all odds, managed to establish himself in the restricted circle of royalty: Enguerrand de Marigny. Coming from a modest family in the province of Normandy, he rose through the ranks of power with boldness and determination, becoming one of the most influential men in France during the reign of King Philip IV.
A modest birth for an exceptional destiny
Enguerrand de Marigny was born around 1260. His family, although noble, was small and could not claim significant influence or notoriety. This modest origin in no way predicted the prodigious destiny that the future had in store for him.
A journey strewn with obstacles
It is his meeting with Pierre de La Broce, favorite of King Philip III, who changed the course of his destiny. A trusted man of the latter, he entered the service of Prince Philippe, future Philippe IV. His skills and dedication allowed him to become the chamberlain of the prince, a position of great prestige at the time.
A meteoric rise
Enguerrand de Marigny enjoyed a meteoric rise. In 1302 he was appointed Chamberlain of France, and in 1308 he was elevated to the rank of Count of Longueville, which represents a formidable rise for a man of his condition.
| Date | Position |
| 1302 | Chamberlain of France |
| 1308 | Count of Longueville |
Fall from Grace
However, Enguerrand’s fall was as brutal as his rise. After the death of Philip IV, during the reign of Louis X, he was accused of witchcraft and various crimes. In 1315 he was hanged, ending a remarkable political career.
The story of the life and rise ofEnguerrand de Marigny is a lesson in tenacity and determination, a reminder that success depends not only on origin or status, but also on ambition and dedication.
Enguerrand De Marigny, the right arm of Philippe IV
A meteoric rise
Enguerrand de Marigny, a little-known medieval historical figure, was born in Normandy around 1260 into a modest family. Thanks to his intelligence and extraordinary political skill, he became the right arm of Philip IV, also known as Philippe le Bel.
An influential advisor
His rise at the French court was rapid, and he soon occupied the position of Chamberlain to the king. Enguerrand de Marigny was best known as main advisor of Philip IV and was among the most powerful men in the kingdom.
His role in the royal administration
A formidable administrator, he undertook a series of reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the royal administration. However, his methods were not always popular.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of reforms put in place by Enguerrand De Marigny:
- Improved financial management of the kingdom by creating the States General.
- Increase state revenue by reforming taxation.
- Simplification of bureaucracy by reducing the number of civil servants.
The controversial end of a powerful man
On the death of Philippe IV, Enguerrand De Marigny was the target of numerous plots and was condemned for witchcraft. He was hanged in the public square in 1315.
| Birth | Ascent | Dead |
| 1260, Normandy | Under the reign of Philip IV | 1315 |
The fall and tragic destiny of Enguerrand De Marigny
Enguerrand de Marigny, an almost forgotten figure in French medieval history, was an influential figure in the early 14th century. Grand chamberlain of Philippe le Bel, Marigny is both an example of the social ascension possible at this time and a symbol of its political brutality.
Youth and political rise
Born into modesty, Enguerrand de Marigny is mainly known for his role during the reign of Philip the Fair. His first official position in the royal court was that of chamberlain in 1302. Very quickly, he acquired the respect and trust of the king, so that his responsibilities and powers increased rapidly.
The fall
Following the death of Philippe le Bel in 1314, Marigny’s position became delicate. The many enemies he has made during his career at the highest levels of power see the transition of power as an opportunity for revenge.
Charges and trials
In 1315, Marigny was accused of multiple crimes, including heresy and witchcraft. Although he attempts to defend himself against these accusations, his fate is sealed. His trial is a typical example of medieval justice. He was quickly found guilty and sentenced.
The tragic fate
The fall of Marigny is dramatic. From one of the most powerful men in France, he transformed into a pariah in just a few months. In 1315 he was hanged in public, a fate few could have envisaged for a man of his stature just a few years earlier.
History lesson
The tragic life and death of Enguerrand de Marigny serves as a stark reminder of the fury and instability of power in medieval times. He is an example of the eternal cycle of the rise and fall of political power.