This post explores the “Zeitgeist” or Spirit of the Age in 17th century France, a time that heralded the Age of Enlightenment. It touches on the social and intellectual ambiance, as well as certain political and religious developments.

Conflicts

17th-century France saw the consolidation of King Louis XIV‘s concept of absolute monarchy. As the “Sun King”, he sought to centralize power and establish sole authority. The court at Versailles became the center of political and cultural life, where His Majesty cultivated an image of grandeur, magnificence, and divine right. His expansionist drive meant he frequently waged war against neighbour countries:

• Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659): This conflict saw France and its allies fighting against Spain and its allies, including the Habsburg Empire. The war was fought primarily in the Spanish Netherlands, Italy, and Germany and ended with the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659.
• War of Devolution (1667–1668): Louis XIV’s marriage to Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660 included the Spanish Netherlands as part of her dowry. When the Spanish refused to pay, Louis invaded the Spanish Netherlands. The conflict ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
• Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678): Louis XIV fought against the Dutch Republic, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and several German states, as he sought to expand French territory and influence in Europe. The war ended with the compromise Treaty of Nijmegen in 1678.
• Nine Years’ War (1688–1697): This conflict saw France again facing a coalition of European powers, including England, the Dutch Republic, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and several German states. It ended with the Treaty of Ryswick in 1697.
• War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714): Louis XIV’s attempt to name his grandson, Philip of Anjou, as heir to the Spanish throne riled England, the Dutch Republic, Austria, and others. Another war started and ended with the Treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt, which secured territorial gains for France but prevented the union of the French and Spanish crowns.

The 17th century also witnessed a continuation of profound religious tensions and conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. This climaxed when Louis revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685 and attempted to consolidate Catholicism as the state religion. A fresh wave of persecution began, causing many Huguenots to flee the country.

Ideas

In the realm of arts and culture, the 17th century in France was marked by the flourishing of literature, drama, and philosophy. Prominent French writers and thinkers of the time were René Descartes, Pierre Corneille, Jean Racine, and Blaise Pascal. They made significant contributions to intellectual discourse and artistic expression, shaping the cultural landscape of the time.

The Scientific Revolution, which began in the 16th century, brought significant advancements in astronomy, physics, and mathematics, as well as mechanics and technology. Brilliant French thinkers, such as René Descartes, Pierre de Fermat and Blaise Pascal, revolutionised mathematics. In other countries, Galileo Galilei and Sir Isaac Newton challenged traditional beliefs and promoted empirical observation, reason, and rational inquiry.

Humanist ideas from the Renaissance emphasized the importance of individualism, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. Enlightenment thinkers drew inspiration from a diverse range of philosophical and political traditions, including liberalism, republicanism, and constitutionalism. Voltaire, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Denis Diderot developed theories on natural rights, social contract, separation of powers, and religious tolerance. These challenged traditional authority and paved the way for modern democratic principles.

The Zeitgeist in 17th-century France reflected the tensions between tradition and innovation, authority and resistance, religious orthodoxy and intellectual inquiry. It was a period of dynamic change and transformation that laid the foundations for the emergence of modern France.

‘Greet Suzon for me’, a book about a Huguenot family’s persecution under Louis XIV and their perilous escape from France to Jersey, is now available.

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Religious conflicts have plagued societies throughout history, causing immense suffering, division, and loss of life. In this blog post, I explore the root causes of religious conflicts and propose potential solutions, drawing on historical examples from 17th-century France and contemporary cases.

Why do religious conflicts occur?

Many are the causes of religious conflicts, and each case is unique. Here are some of the major reasons:

• Many people assume the conflict arises from a divergence of beliefs, but this is an oversimplification. Often, the disagreement is between factions of the same religion: Orthodox, Catholic or Protestant Christians; Sunni or Shia Moslems. In such cases, it often comes down to narrow interpretations of particular words or holy days; or attitudes to specific books, images, or rituals. One example from Christianity would be the different attitudes to Mary. All Christians respect her as a model of faith and obedience to God, and as the mother of Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine. Orthodox and Catholic churches venerate her as more than merely human and offer prayers to her for intercession.
  Another difference would be the question of how literally the Bible should be accepted.
  One could say, each believer should be free to hold his or her beliefs on such matters, but it is often the practicalities that cause offence. Do we erect in our sanctuary a gold-plated statue of Mary holding a little baby Jesus? Do we make the Bible available in our local language for everyone to read?
• Between different religions, both doctrines and practices can cause strife. Moslems cannot accept that Jesus was divine and that his death offers believers forgiveness and peace with God. Jews, Christians and Moslems are offended by the many gods of Hinduism. Moslem men cannot tolerate women who dress casually or, in their eyes, provocatively. Jews insist on respect for their Sabbath and can’t tolerate others who see it as a normal working day. Again, it should be possible for everyone to adhere to his or her principles without condemning others.
• Throughout history, rulers and governments have often exploited religious convictions to consolidate their power and control. In 17th-century France, for example, King Louis XIV believed he could only maintain his rule over the country if everyone adhered to the Catholic Church. Protestants, such as the Huguenots – and members of other minority faiths – were pressurised to abjure their faith or flee the country. In reality, this was a manifestation of a megalomaniac lust for power and glory on the part of the King.
• Poverty, inequality, and marginalization, as well as misunderstandings and misperceptions, can also exacerbate religious tensions.

Potential solutions

Since religious conflicts usually arise from judgemental attitudes towards those of a different faith, I suggest some approaches as to how they could be solved.

• Often the problems arise from misunderstandings. Encouraging dialogue between members of different religious communities can promote mutual understanding and foster peaceful coexistence.
• Interfaith cooperation can play a crucial role in promoting peace and reconciliation. By emphasizing shared values and common goals, such as caring for sick and elderly people, religious leaders and communities can work together to address shared challenges and build a more harmonious society.
• Political reforms that promote democratic principles and inclusive governance, denying leaders autocratic powers, can help de-escalate tensions and encourage peaceful solutions to conflicts.
• Addressing socioeconomic injustices is another important measure for addressing religious tension. Investing in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities can help ease grievances and build social cohesion.

Examples from French history

In 16th and 17th-century France, religious conflicts between Catholics and Huguenots, known as the Wars of Religion, ravaged the country for decades. The Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious freedom to Huguenots, was a significant step towards peace and reconciliation.

However, the revocation of the Edict in 1685 by Louis XIV reignited religious tensions and led to further persecution of Huguenots. Many well-educated and skillful people fled the country, experiencing severe hardship and loss. This resulted in major disruptions to social structures and institutions, as qualified professionals were no longer available.

Contemporary Cases

In recent years, some of the conflicts in the Middle East, parts of Africa and Asia, have been fueled by religious divisions. Socioeconomic disparities have also had an influence. Here again, we see that religious conflicts are complex issues that require multifaceted solutions. But international conflict, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, as well as internal political struggles, especially by the rising populist leaders, are clear cases of lust for and misuse of power.

Promoting dialogue and understanding, and working towards inclusive governance and social justice, would help to build a more peaceful and harmonious world where diversity is respected and celebrated. Unfortunately, international efforts, such as by the United Nations, have been largely unsuccessful in resolving these situations.

‘Greet Suzon for me’, a book about a Huguenot family’s perilous escape from religious persecution in France, is now available.

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Flight by sea

Whatever the reason people leave their country to seek a new home, the decision is never easy. Often they have suffered physically under some harsh regime or hostile neighbours. They may have had to abandon their possessions or even family members they would have wished to take with them. If they have small children, clandestine travel with little comfort and minimal supplies becomes extremely difficult.

Leaving one country to reach another often means crossing over dangerous sea. Where will we find a boat? Will it be seaworthy? Do we have to row? None of us know how to handle sails. Our children can’t swim and we adults aren’t much good at it either. What will happen if the boat capsizes? How will we be able to navigate, especially since we’ll be travelling at night? Can we find an experienced sailor who will take us across to safety?

In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’

My book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which is now available, is about the Huguenot family d’Albert from Alençon, Normandy. They suffer such persecution from King Louis XIV and the Catholic Church that they see no alternative than to undertake the perilous journey to the British channel island of Jersey. Stéphane, a friendly fisherman, agrees to take them there in his tartane¹. However, they are caught in a severe storm. And as Gédéon desperately tries to help Stéphane lower the sail, the yard snaps and the sail tears apart.

After some desperate struggles, the boat founders on a hidden rock. Dawn breaks, and the plaintive cries of seagulls suggest land is near. Finally, Stéphane, Gédéon, his mother, his sick sister and their dog manage to reach the tiny rocky islet of Les Écréhous. But that is only halfway to freedom…

Today’s refugees

Much has changed geopolitically and technologically in the intervening centuries. This hasn’t stopped thousands of people from choosing each day to flee their homelands because of religious or political oppression, economic factors, disasters, or environmental conditions. Whether its sub-Saharan Africans fleeing desperate conditions in Libya in tiny boats for Malta, Lampedusa, or Italy; impoverished south and central Americans who have trekked for weeks through hostile regions and then try to cross from Mexico to the United States of America; or misled and cheated Asians, risking all to cross the English Channel from Calais to Dover – many succumb to the rough seas or the unseaworthiness of their vessels.

Games is a spectacular book describing the traumatic experiences of several Afghan refugees who are forced by inhuman living conditions to flee their home and seek a new place to live. I have had personal contact with families who spent years advancing slowly from Asia or the Middle East towards Europe, and experienced repeated brutal pushbacks² by hostile authorities in Iran, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria or Croatia before they finally arrived in the West.

One man I know, who had no experience at sea, tells how he passed mutilated bodies on the Turkish shore before the professional smugglers gave him charge of thirty people in an inflatable dinghy made for ten. They sent them out at night, with very little fuel, telling him to head for some distant lights on a Greek island. Two accompanying boats capsized, causing him the trauma of seeing men, women and children frantically struggling in the waves and not being able to save them from drowning. His fuel ran out before they reached land, but most of the passengers managed to wade through the shallow water, only to find themselves alone on an uninhabited rocky islet…

Statistics of failed migration

At least 8,565 people died on migration routes worldwide in 2023 … more than half of the deaths were a result of drowning.
The Mediterranean crossing continues to be the deadliest route for migrants on record, with at least 3,129 deaths and disappearances in 2023.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

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1. a small boat used both as a fishing ship and for coastal trading ↩︎
2. state measures by which refugees and migrants are illegally forced back over a border – generally immediately after they crossed it – without consideration of their individual circumstances and without any possibility to apply for asylum ↩︎

King William III of England, also known as William of Orange, was a significant figure in European history during the late 17th century.

Early Life and Background

In the Early Modern Period and well into the 19th century, marriages among members of the upper echelons of European society was a highly political matter. Alliances between powerful royal families were forged, either to secure peace or to expand a nation’s domain. Thus it was that the Dutch William II of Orange married Mary, the daughter of King Charles I of England. Their only son, William, became Prince of Orange at his birth, as his father had recently died. William III received a Calvinist education, which strongly influenced his religious and political motives.

Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic

William became Stadtholder (chief executive) of the Dutch Republic in 1672, during a period of crisis known as the Disaster Year. He demonstrated exceptional military skill and strategic acumen during the Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678), leading Dutch forces to several key victories against the French army and negotiating the compromise peace Treaty of Nijmegen in 1678.

As Stadtholder, William wielded significant political influence. He worked to strengthen the federal government and centralize power. William also engaged in diplomacy with England, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire, among others. His efforts helped to secure the Dutch Republic’s position as a major European power and laid the groundwork for its continued prosperity and influence in the years to come.

Glorious Revolution

In 1677, William married his cousin Mary, the eldest daughter of King James II of England. The marriage formed an alliance between the Dutch Republic and England and strengthened William’s position as a European leader.

In 1688, English nobles invited William and Mary to invade England and overthrow the Catholic King James II, who was perceived as a threat to Protestantism and parliamentary sovereignty. The invasion, known as the Glorious Revolution, was successful. King James fled to France and William and Mary were crowned joint monarchs of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

King William III

As king, William III pursued policies aimed at strengthening Protestantism and limiting the power of the monarchy in favor of parliamentary rule. His reign saw the passage of the Bill of Rights in 1689, which affirmed the supremacy of Parliament and established important constitutional principles. One key aspect was to affirm the principle of religious toleration by guaranteeing freedom of worship to Protestant nonconformists, such as Baptists, Quakers, and Presbyterians, who were previously persecuted for their beliefs.

William III also played a leading role in European affairs, particularly in the War of the Grand Alliance against France, which aimed to contain the expansionist ambitions of Louis XIV. Overall, William III of England was a skilled statesman and military leader whose actions had a profound impact on the course of European history. His legacy as a defender of Protestantism and parliamentary rule endures to this day.

In the historical novel ‘Greet Suzon for me’, after the Huguenot Gédéon helps his family escape from France and settle in Jersey, he is sent on a clandestine mission to London and meets King William III. The book is now available.

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The Palace of Versailles

Starting in 1661, Louis XIV took several decades to transform a royal hunting lodge in Versailles into one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe. Following his whims, renowned architects designed, renovated and expanded the vast and ornate complex of buildings in the French Baroque style, featuring lavish decorations, gilded furnishings, and elaborate structural details.

The palace contained numerous apartments for the king, his family, his current mistress, and members of the court. These apartments were sumptuously decorated and furnished with luxury items, reflecting the extravagant lifestyle of the royal court. Among the palace’s amenities were chapels, theaters, and other entertainment venues, enabling courtiers to participate in religious services, theatrical performances, concerts, and cultural events. These venues were used to entertain and impress Louis’ guests.

One of the most famous features of Versailles was the Hall of Mirrors, a grand gallery lined with 17 mirrored arches that reflected the sunlight and created a dazzling effect. The hall was used for official ceremonies, receptions, and diplomatic events, and it served as a symbol of Louis XIV’s wealth and power.

Gardens

Surrounding the palace were magnificent formal gardens, designed by the renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre.

A major feature was the Grand Canal, an artificial waterway stretching for over 1.5 kilometers, accompanied by numerous fountains, cascades, and water basins. Swans and other water fowl added beauty and elegance.

The Orangerie was a large greenhouse to protect citrus trees during the winter months. During the summer, the trees were moved outdoors to adorn the garden paths, which were embellished with a multitude of sculptures and statues, depicting classical gods, mythological figures, and allegorical themes.

Wide avenues and tree-lined alleys provided shaded walkways for promenading and leisurely strolls, while deer roamed freely within the vast expanses of the parkland. The king and his courtiers hunted deer, wild boar, and rabbits in the surrounding woodlands.

The palace and gardens were intended to showcase the power and grandeur of the French monarchy.

In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, Suzanne d’Albert’s friend is a prominent member of the royal court. Her letters reveal private details of King Louis’s life in the Palace of Versailles. When the pressure against Huguenots rises, Suzanne’s family escapes from France to Jersey. The historical novel is now available.

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History and geography

The United Provinces of the Netherlands grew out of the 1579 Union of Utrecht. The seven northern regions that won independence from Spain from 1568 to 1609 formed an alliance, also known as the Dutch Republic. The area comprised approximately that of the present Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Political control of the decentralized state shifted repeatedly between the province of Holland and the princes of Orange, who held the office of stadtholder and aspired to a greater degree of centralization. This internal political stress, however, did not prevent the ascendancy of the Dutch Republic in the 17th century. In this “Golden Age” the republic proved economically successful, its wealth being based on sea trade, and developed into a world colonial empire far out of proportion to its resources.

The United Provinces and Louis XIV

As a major economic power in the 17th century, the United Provinces competed with France for trade dominance. This economic rivalry fueled underlying tensions between the two nations.

Louis XIV, aiming to expand French territory, launched a surprise attack on the United Provinces in 1672. This war, known as the Franco-Dutch War, was a major turning point in their relationship. Initially caught off guard, the United Provinces managed to rally their defences and form alliances with other European powers to counter France. The war ended with the Peace of Nijmegen in 1678, with France making some territorial gains but failing to cripple the Dutch Republic.

The relationship between the Dutch Republic and Louis XIV’s France was thus characterized by a mixture of conflict, rivalry, and diplomacy. Both powers sought to advance their own interests and influence in Europe, leading to periodic tensions and conflicts but also moments of cooperation and diplomacy.

William of Orange

A key figure in Dutch politics and military prowess during this period was William of Orange, who was a fervent Protestant and became a staunch opponent of the Catholic Louis XIV. He played a crucial role in uniting European powers against French expansionism.

In 1689, William of Orange became king William III of England, Scotland, and Ireland. He directed European opposition to Louis XIV of France and, in Great Britain, secured the triumph of Protestantism and of Parliament.

The United Provinces were one of the few places in Western Europe which allowed religious freedom to people of different faiths, including the Jews. However, the republic declined during the 18th century. It was exhausted by its long land wars, its fleet was in a state of neglect, and its colonial empire stagnated and was eclipsed by that of England. In 1795, the republic collapsed under the impact of a Dutch democratic revolution and invading French armies.

[Information taken largely from Encyclopædia Britannica]

In the historical novel ‘Greet Suzon for me’, the Huguenot Gédéon helps his family escape from France to Jersey. After some years, he is sent on a clandestine mission to London and meets King William III. The book is now available.

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Fishing trade

The term terreneuviers (Newfoundlanders) refers to Jersey fishermen who participated in the Newfoundland fishery during the 16th to 19th centuries. Jersey, one of the Channel Islands located between England and France, had a long tradition of fishing, and the Newfoundland fishery provided valuable opportunities for Jersey fishermen to engage in the lucrative cod trade.

Records as early as 1562 show Jersey-based ships and their crews operating from Newfoundland. Within 21 years, Newfoundland was annexed by Queen Elizabeth.

Profitable business

Some Jerseymen travelled to Newfoundland every spring, returning home later in the year. This activity earned them several times their winter incomes as Jersey farmers.

During the fishing season, which typically lasted from spring to autumn, hundreds of Jersey fishermen travelled across the Atlantic to the coast of Newfoundland. These terreneuviers faced harsh and challenging conditions during their time in Newfoundland, including rough seas, unpredictable weather, and isolation from their families and homeland. They built small wooden huts along the coast, where they salted and dried the cod they caught, then returned to Jersey in time for the autumn ploughing with money in their pockets, which would provide some welcome luxuries for the family.

Food for the hungry

Another great benefit from this endeavour was noted by Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous English explorer and writer, when he was appointed Governor of Jersey in 1600. He learned that many islanders were saved from starvation by the arrival of a cargo of fish from Newfoundland, and encouraged young Jerseymen to cross the Atlantic to find the work which was not available to them in their home island. Their involvement in the Newfoundland fishing industry was to last over 300 years.

The Terreneuviers developed a distinct culture and way of life in Newfoundland, blending elements of Jersey and British culture with influences from the indigenous peoples and other European settlers. They formed close-knit communities in Newfoundland, sharing resources, traditions, and social ties with other Jersey fishermen and their families.

The Newfoundland fishery played a significant role in the economy and society of Jersey, contributing to the island’s prosperity and influencing its cultural identity. Today, the legacy of the Terreneuviers lives on in Jersey through cultural traditions, historical commemorations, and the ongoing connections between Jersey and Newfoundland.

Further details about Jersey’s extensive involvement in the Canadian ‘cod trade’ and the founder of the Robin business can be found on the Jerripedia site here.

Seeking divine aid

An interesting account shows how these Protestant fishermen sought God’s help and protection before setting off on their dangerous journey for Canadian waters. A special communion service was held for them in St Brelade’s Church. In 1611 the Colloquy passed the following Act:

Whereas a petition has been received from those who sail for the Newfoundland Fisheries, pointing out that they are unable to attend the Lord’s Supper at the usual date, and asking that it may be made possible for them to communicate before their departure, permission is granted to the Church of St Brelade to put forward the date of its April Communion, so that all who are about to make the voyage, whatever may be their parish, can join in the Lord’s Supper before they sail.

This Communion des Terreneuviers became a notable annual event. The fishing-fleet would sail from St Aubin’s Bay, but before it weighed anchor, the fishermen with their wives and sweethearts from all parts of the island came to St Brelade’s in numbers far too great for the old church to hold, and sang psalms in the churchyard, while waiting their turn to enter in to receive the Bread and Wine.

In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which is now available, a French Huguenot family flees to Jersey. They are taken in by a farming couple, whose grown-up sons have become terreneuviers, which means they have spare rooms in the house.

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Les précieuses

In 17th century Paris, a group of intellectual, witty women known as les précieuses developed a culture of lively conversations and playful word games. These gatherings were frequently held in a lady’s bedroom, referred to as a salon. The lady, reclining on her bed, would receive close friends – men and women – who would sit on chairs or stools drawn around.

Société du samedi

One of the central figures of the salon that gathered at the Hôtel de Rambouillet was Madeleine de Scudéry, a renowned novelist and playwright. In 1653, Madeleine and her brother Georges Scudéry established a new residence in the Marais neighborhood of Paris and founded her famous Saturday salon: the Société du samedi. The salon provided a forum for a large literary circle to discuss, debate, and exchange ideas on a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy, politics, and social issues. One subject hotly disputed concerned the nature of true friendship and love.

The salon attracted both established writers and emerging talents, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among its members. Prominent participants included Madame de Lafayette, Madame Scarron (the future Madame de Maintenon), Paul Pellisson, Jean-François Sarasin, Pierre Corneille, and Jean Racine, among others. Many of Scudéry’s philosophical dialogues reflect the ideal of honnêteté – the virtue of decency, fairness, and tolerance, especially in the realm of disputed ideas. Salonnières also debated the “new philosophy” of Descartes, although Scudéry herself opposed his mechanistic theory of matter. 

The Société du samedi was a vibrant and intellectually stimulating gathering that contributed to the flourishing of French literature and culture during the reign of Louis XIV. It remains a significant aspect of Madeleine de Scudéry’s legacy as a writer and salonnière.

In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which is due to be published in 2025, Suzanne d’Albert is brought to Paris as a teenager, where she is introduced to high society and famous philosophers and artists who frequented such salons as the Société du samedi.

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Background

After the Wars of Religion, and as Protestants in many parts of France were deliberately terrorised and pressurised to abjure their faith, many tried desperately to escape.

Le refuge

About 200,000 Huguenots settled in non-Catholic Europe: the United Provinces (Netherlands), Germany, especially Prussia, Switzerland, Scandinavia; and even as far as Russia, where Huguenot craftsmen found customers at the court of the Czars. The Dutch East India Company sent a few hundred to the Cape to develop the vineyards in southern Africa. About 50,000 fled to England, the Channel Islands and Ireland, where they were on the whole welcomed. And many escaped to the New World.

Any country that welcomed fleeing Huguenots was known as le refuge. This forced emigration introduced the word ‘refugee’ into the English language. Those who remained and refused to renounce their faith went into hiding in what they called le désert.

What neither the King nor anyone else anticipated, apparently, was that the hasty exodus of so many skilled craftsmen and educated people would leave much of the French social and commercial infrastructure floundering. Coupled with the poverty resulting from extortionate taxes to support the wars, this led to severe hardship for much of the population.

Adapted from The Huguenot Refuge

‘Greet Suzon for me’, a book about a Huguenot family’s perilous escape from France to Jersey, will be published in 2025.

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Imagine being married to a double first cousin as a peace offering. King Philip IV of Spain accepted his prime ministerial proposal that his daughter, the devout Maria Theresa, should marry the son of his sister, Queen Anne of Austria, namely the flamboyant King Louis XIV of France. The couple – both were twenty-two years old – had barely ever seen each other and Maria Theresa wasn’t Louis’ first choice of wife, but the important thing was that this 1660 arrangement sealed the Peace of the Pyrenees, which formally ended the Franco-Spanish War that had dragged on for decades. 

Maria Theresa was known for her beauty, grace, and piety and had received a thorough education in literature, as well as religious instruction. However, she didn’t share Louis’ interest in the arts and dancing. As Queen of France, she played a significant role in court life and the cultural affairs of the French court.

Life with King Louis XIV

Maria Theresa and Louis XIV had several children together, including the Grand Dauphin Louis, who would succeed his father as Louis XV. Despite their initial political motivations, the marriage between Maria Theresa and Louis XIV was reportedly a happy one, marked by mutual respect and affection.

It was no secret, however, that Louis shared his bed with several other beautiful women, with whom he fathered many other children. He had a luxurious suite made for Madame de Montespan in the Grand Appartement de la Reine in the Palace of Versailles. This was originally intended for the queen, but was reassigned to Athénaïs, as she preferred to be called, after she became the king’s favourite. Her apartment included a bedroom, a salon, and other living spaces, furnished and decorated in a manner befitting her status. We do not know what Maria Theresa thought of such rivals, but such liaisons were generally tacitly accepted.

Maria Theresa died on July 30, 1683, at the Palace of Versailles, France, at the age of 44. Her death was deeply mourned by her husband and the French court, and she was buried at the Basilica of Saint Denis in Paris. She left behind a legacy of grace, intelligence, and devotion to her family and faith.

In the book ‘Greet Suzon for me’, which is due to be published in 2025, Suzanne d’Albert is brought to Paris as a teenager to serve as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Maria Theresa. As a result, she has inside contacts within the Palace of Versailles.

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