The existence of the lords of Uzès is verified by a charter drawn up in 1088. Two centuries later (in 1229), the Languedoc was brought back under Crown rule and the lords of Uzès took part in a number of different wars. Their loyalty to the Crown resulted in their being made viscounts, counts and dukes. In 1632, the last Duke of Montmorency, who was the 1st Duke in France, rebelled against the King. He was beheaded and the title passed to the Duke of Uzès by seniority. The Uzès family own the chateau in the town centre and have been living there on and off for more than 1000 years.
First Peerage-Duchy in France - what does that mean?
Through their title the Dukes of Uzès were first in line for the throne after the princes of the blood. Over several centuries, they held various rights in court ceremonies: as the Queen Mother's knights, they carried the crown and sceptre during the coronation and were responsible for pronouncing the words 'The King is dead, long live the King' at funerals. It was their duty to put their sword and their life to the King's service and this resulted in 21 Dukes of Uzès being killed or wounded in battle.
Heritage
The existence of the lords of Uzès is verified by a charter drawn up in 1088. Two centuries later (in 1229), the Languedoc was brought back under Crown rule and the lords of Uzès took part in a number of different wars. Their loyalty to the Crown resulted in their being made viscounts, counts and dukes. In 1632, the last Duke of Montmorency, who was the 1st Duke in France, rebelled against the King. He was beheaded and the title passed to the Duke of Uzès by seniority.
