I is for Intendant – Royal civil servant

A contribution to the #AtoZchallenge 2024

Origins and roles

Intendants were royal civil servants in France, appointed during the Old Regime in an attempt at centralising the administration and raising taxes for the war efforts. They were sent to supervise and enforce the king’s will in the provinces and had jurisdiction over three areas: finances, policing and justice.

Their duties included both administrative and judicial functions, such as:

• Local Administration: Intendants were responsible for overseeing the administration of the provinces (known as généralités) assigned to them by the king. They acted as the king’s representatives in the provinces and were responsible for implementing royal policies, enforcing laws, and maintaining order.
• Taxation and Finance: Intendants played a key role in the collection of taxes and the management of financial affairs within their provinces. They were responsible for assessing and collecting various taxes and duties, as well as ensuring that provincial finances were in order.
• Justice and Law Enforcement: Intendants had judicial authority within their provinces and presided over provincial courts. They were responsible for administering justice, settling disputes, and enforcing the king’s laws. Intendants also had the power to appoint local judges and magistrates.
• Infrastructure and Public Works: Intendants oversaw the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, canals, and other infrastructure projects within their provinces. They were responsible for ensuring that these projects were carried out efficiently and that public resources were used effectively.
• Military Affairs: In addition to their civilian duties, intendants also had responsibilities related to military affairs. They were responsible for organizing and provisioning the king’s armies within their provinces and ensuring that troops were properly supplied and disciplined.
• Surveillance and Reporting: Intendants were expected to keep the king informed about developments within their provinces. They conducted regular inspections, gathered intelligence, and submitted reports to the king on various matters, including the state of the economy, public opinion, and potential threats to royal authority.

Jubert de Bouville

The intendants were normally chosen from the noblesse de robe or the upper-bourgeoisie by the Secretary of State for War. In the period covered by the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, this was the Marquis de Louvois. An exception was the appointment of the intendant in Alençon. Madame de Guise, who was a first cousin of Louis XIV and the Duchess of Alençon, was a powerful figure. She strongly opposed Huguenots and considered the current intendant, Barillon de Morangis, too lenient in his handling of members of the religion prétendu réformée. Consequently, she replaced him with Jubert de Bouville, a more uncompromising authority who dutifully carried out her repressive demands.

Taken largely from Wikipedia here and here.

Jubert de Bouville and his son Noël feature prominently in the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which will be published in 2024.

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