Aumont family

The Aumont family take its name from the Duchy of Aumont, a small commune in the department of the Somme. The Duché-Pairie d'Aumont was established in 1665 from the Marquisat of Isles-en-Champagne, the title being granted to Antoine d'Aumont de Rochebaron (1601–1669). For a long time, the ducs d'Aumont had the title of first Gentlemanof the Chamber of the King (gentilhomme de la chambre du Roi).

The family was of great antiquity, a Jean, sire d'Aumont, having accompanied Louis IX on crusade. It was already powerful in the 14th century, and during the Hundred Years' War its members fought in the armies of the kings of France. Towards the end of the century, the family took the part of the dukes of Burgundy, but returned to the side of France on the death of Charles the Bold in 1477.

Jean d'Aumont, lieutenant-general to the king of France in the government of Burgundy, rendered important services to Louis XII and Francis I.

Jean VI d'Aumont (1552–1595) a marshal of France and knight of the Order of the Holy Spirit since its institution in 1578, fought against the Huguenots under the last of the Valois kings; but he was among the first to recognize Henry IV, and was appointed governor of Champagne and of Brittany, where he had to fight against the Catholic League. He died at the château de Comper fighting Philippe Emmanuel, Duke of Mercœur, one of the head of the League.

His grandson Antoine d'Aumont de Rochebaron (1601––1669) was also a marshal of France (1651), governor of Paris (1662), and first duke of Aumont (duke and peer in 1665). He was also marquis of Villequier-Aumont, of Isle, Nolay and Chappes, as well as baron of Estrabonnes, then duke of Aumont and peer of France. He had an important role in the Battle of Rethel in December 1650.

Louis-Marie-Victor d'Aumont (1632–1704) was a loyal servitor of Louis XIV, who married on 21 November 1660 Madeleine, daughter of Michel Le Tellier (1603–1685).

Louis Marie Augustin, duc d'Aumont (1709–1782), was a celebrated collector of works of art.

Alexandre d'Aumont, devoted to Louis XVI, helped him escape from his prison during the Revolution, in the misguided flight to Varennes.

Louis Marie Celeste d'Aumont, duc de Piennes, afterwards duc d'Aumont (1762–1831), emigrated during the Revolution and served in the army of the royalists, as also in the Swedish army. During the Hundred Days he effected a descent upon Normandy in the Bourbon interest, and succeeded in capturing Bayeux and Caen. He was a gentilhomme of the Chamber under Louis XVIII, after the Restauration.