Noble identity during the French wars of religion : Antoine de Crussol, the duc d’Uzès

This thesis explores the identity of the French nobility who joined the Protestant movement leading up and during the early Wars of Religion. Focusing specifically on Antoine de Crussol, the duc d’Uzès, and his relationship with the monarchy, I analyse this interaction before, during, and after his adherence to the Protestant movement. I examine what this adherence meant in practice and highlight the consequences of this decision. Crussol’s relationship with the crown is explored in three distinct parts, using a chronological framework (1559-1573). After analysing his numerous royal commissions, I outline his role as Protestant leader in the first religious war, fighting against royal armies. An evaluation of Crussol’s return to royal favour concludes the thesis. This work demonstrates that Crussol had a trusted relationship with the monarchy, despite his time as Protestant leader. He consistently presented his actions as being carried out on the crown’s behalf. His interaction with the monarchy influenced critical aspects of his life, such as family and provincial responsibilities, and religious convictions. This was a reciprocal relationship, as the crown relied on him to further royal control, using his Protestant links and provincial authority. Although Crussol reluctantly joined the war, he fully engaged in his powerful Protestant role during the conflict. While he had notable Protestant sympathies, there was a growing tension with his loyalty to the monarchy following the war. Crussol was quickly rehabilitated at court, and there was no question of further rebellion against the monarchy. He presented a Catholic faith after the conflict, as part of his attempt to emphasise his obedience to the crown. Although Crussol became an influential figure in his own right, increasing his prestige through the purchase of alienated Catholic church land, his primary marker of identity was his relationship with the crown through the years 1559-1573