Imbert de Batarnay

Who was Imbert de Batarnay?

Imbert de Batarnay, Seigneur du Bouchage, French statesman, was born of an old but obscure family in Dauphiné, about the year 1438. In consequence of a chance circumstance he entered into relations with the dauphin Louis at that time in arms against the king his father; he attached himself to the prince, and followed him on his retreat into Burgundy.

From the beginning of his reign Louis XI loaded Batarnay with favors: he married him to a rich heiress, Georgette de Montchenu, lady of Le Bouchage; besides making him captain of Mont Saint-Michel and giving him valuable estates, with, later, the titles of counsellor and chamberlain to the king.

In 1469 Batarnay was sent to keep watch upon the duke of Guienne's intrigues, which began to appear dangerous. As lieutenant-general in Roussillon in 1475 he protected the countryside against the wrath of the king, who wished to repress with cruel severity a rebellion of the inhabitants. He was present at the interview between Louis XI and Edward IV of England at Picquigny, and was afterwards employed on negotiations with the duke of Burgundy.