ABSTRACT
This chapter breaks down how the first marquis de Ruvigny and his son the second marquis, later earl of Galway in the Irish peerage, served Louis XIV. It focuses on four key areas. Firstly, it details the support of the first marquis de Ruvigny for the crown and Cardinal Mazarin during the Fronde years. Secondly, it examines the military career of both father and son, including campaigns at La Rochelle and on the Rhine, and their relationship with Maréchal Turenne. Thirdly, it examines the family’s connections in England, especially with Lord High Treasurer Southampton, and the Whigs William Russell and his wife Lady Rachel Russell. The Ruvignys were sent on diplomatic missions to Charles II, in particular to help the official Ambassador, Barillon, against Danby in parliament during the Anglo-Dutch wars. The fourth is how the Ruvignys’ role as last representatives of the Protestants at the court of Louis XIV was arguably more favourable to the Sun King than to the religious minority. This last, controversial point is discussed within the historiography. Finally, the chapter assesses why the family chose exile to England after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, where it was welcomed by James II.
