History
article | Reading time5 min
For eight generations, the Beauvon-Craon family has occupied the château de Haroué. But who are they?
Two families from Anjou...
The Beauvau family is an ancient Anjou family. They are a cadet branch of the first counts of Anjou (from whom the Plantagenet kings of England descended). The family is also related to Henri IV.
The princely de Craon family also originated in Anjou. Its first representatives are attested around the year 1000.
The two families were united in the early 15th century by the marriage of Pierre de Beauvau to Jeanne de Craon. The latter died giving birth to a son, Jean, by Caesarean section. Before passing away, she made her husband promise that his descendants would bear the arms of the House of Craon... hence "Beauvau-Craon"!
The Beauvau-Craon family arrived in Lorraine in the 15th century in the wake of King René I of Anjou, when he became Duke of Lorraine by marrying the only daughter of Duke Charles I , Isabelle of Lorraine.
© Colombe Clier / Centre des monuments nationaux
marc de beauvau-craon
Marc de Beauvau, Prince de Craon, was born in 1676. Although he was a great friend of Duke Léopold, it was his talent that made him a major figure in Lorraine.
His list of titles is impressive:
- grand connétable of the duchy,
- Prince of Beauvau,
- Prince of the Holy German Empire,
- Grand of Spain, Viceroy of Tuscany
He was also recognized as a French prince by King Louis XV, who referred to him as "mon cousin", a mark of honor and a rare privilege granted to a select few who were related to the royal family...
© Colombe Clier / Centre des monuments nationaux