Duke of Gramont


The title of Duke of Gramont is a French dukedom and former peerage. It was created in 1648 for French Marshall Antoine III de Gramont.

History

The house of Gramont was a Navarrese medieval noble house. They held land in Lower Navarra and in neighbouring Gascony, part of the kingdom of France. As their liege lords, the kings of Navarra, they took part in French politics. The last heiress of the house, Claire de Gramont wed Menaut d'Aure and their son Antoine took the name Gramont rather than d'Aure.
Antoine de Gramont was a leading noblemen in south-west France during the Wars of Religion. At first, a Calvinist and lieutenant general to Queen Jeanne d'Albret, he switched sides to Catholicism and King Charles IX's service. He was created Count of Guiche in 1563. Antoine de Gramont was also the first Gramont to claim sovereignty over the Principality of Bidache. His grandson, also named Antoine de Gramont, viceroy of Navarra, was created Duke of Gramont in 1643.
Another famous member of the ducal house was Philibert de Gramont, younger son of the first Duke.

Counts of Guiche