genèse
- Chloey Ritzman
- May 20, 2019
- 3 min read
Genése
Intro the Episode
Versailles didnt start anywhere near the palace we know today
Wasnt even a cute vacation spot
Marshlands, high winds, hill sides surrounded by forest, smelly
Great hunting area
First mention of Versailles in history, 1038 in deeds of Saint-Pére Abby
Signature of Hugues (Hugo) de Versailiis
Likely that where the name is from
Passed through a few families before reaching monarchy
Martial de Léomenie
Maréchal de Retz
De Gondi fam
13 really enjoyed going with dad (Henry 5) to Versailles
Louis 13 “the Chaste”, “the Just”
Born @ Fontinbleau 1601
King @ 9 (mom regent, until 1617)
Not fond of protestants
Married to Anne of Austria--also not a fan
Probably gay
13 and Versailles
Built a small shack on bit of land 1624 to avoid hotel cost, because he hunted so much
Expanded a bit to accommodate those who came with him (chatêau des cartes)
Eventually gifted land to courtiers to build their own homes nearby
Began construction and “expansion” of the shack in 1630/31 (before obtaining deed)
Bought land officially in 1632 from archbishop Jean-francois de Gondi £66,000 ($15 mil,
today)
He decided to eventually retire at Versailles when his son was old enough to rule
Castle styled traditional French Baroque by Philibert Le Roy
Shaped in a square, around the marble court (the very same)
“Day of Dupes”
First big “political” move at Versailles by 13 was called the “day of dupes”
13 mom, Marie De Medici, did not like 13 advisor, cardinal Richelieu.
No one did, really
He was good at his job, but a jerk
13 told his mom he would banish Richelieu, but turned around and banished her instead
ANYWAY
13 never reached retirement
Died 1643 @age 41 of tuberculosis
Didnt die at Versailles
His legacy was not limited to nor was ever known as Versailles, but we can spin it
He was considered a great king to everyone. (Except maybe the women closest to him)
The Dauphin remembered his fathers love of the castle and of the grounds surrounding it. Foreshadowing...
BOOKS
“The Story of Versailles” Francis Loring Payne
This book is available on the Gutenberg project, and is a pretty dry read. It was written in the 1920’s, and a bit dramatized, but it has some very good dates and insights.
“The Journal of Louis XIII, Second Edition 1610-1628” Jean Heroard
This book is also available on Project Gutenberg and is even dryer, because it is written by the King’s official “doctor” but again it is a really great record of the king.
Websites
The official website for the palace. It has lots of information on the history of the palace, and also great info if you want to visit. They also have an App, but it is probably really best used in a trip to the palace.
There is one post on this site, that I could find about Versailles. It was just a good short post that helped me solidify some dates. It belongs to a proffessor??
Podcasts
“Louis XIV, Miraculous Child, Episode 87” Join Us in France.
This is one of the only episodes I can find that is just about history. The page is mostly about visiting France and tips for your visit, but I really enjoyed listening to these ladies about their findings
“Episode 53: Anne of Austria” Sad Girl Study Guides
Just a brief overview of The Queen, and her relationship with the King
Other Media
I found a lot of fictional media about XIII and the queen, and a lot of info about the monarchs before and after them. But they seem to be a bit under reported on in general.
There is The Three Musketeers, which is a fun way to see Anne of Austria
The TV show Versailles, which is also extremely fictional.
And the visual media about Louis XIII isn’t about him and seems to be unavailable for another 96 years. Thanks John Malcovich.
Dive into history BB!!
De Gondi’s
Day of Dupes
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