Grand Chamberman of France


The Grand Chamberman of France was one of the Great Officers of the Crown of France, a member of the Maison du Roi, and one of the Great Officers of the Royal Household during the Ancien Régime. It is similar in name, but should not be confused with, the office of Grand Chamberlain of France, although both positions could accurately be translated by the word chamberlain.
The position was one of the royal offices that gave the possessor nobility upon beginning his service. The Grand Chamberman was in charge of the King's chamber. Under the first Capetians, the Grand Chamberman managed the Royal Treasury along with the Grand Bouteiller, before being supplanted of these functions by the Chamber of Accounts and the position of Superintendent of Finances.
During its existence, the position of Grand Chamberman had greater power than that of the Grand Chamberlain. He signed charters and other important letters, preceded the Constable of France in ceremonies and assisted at the trial of peers. The position was suppressed in 1545 and its duties were absorbed by the position of Grand Chamberlain of France.

List of Grand Chambermen of France