Villeroi

Villeroi, FRANÇOIS DE NEUVILLE, DUC DE, French marshal, was born 7th April 1644, and educated at court with Louis XIV., but was banished to Lyons for a love-affair. In 1680 he returned to court, and in 1693 became a marshal, having distinguished himself at Neerwinden. As commander in the Netherlands in 1695-96 he showed great incapacity; and sent in chief command to Italy in 1701, he was there defeated and taken prisoner by Prince Eugene. Again he commanded in the Netherlands, but was defeated by Marlborough at Ramillies. Madame de Maintenon got him made guardian to Louis XV. Orleans sent him to live on his estate in 1722, because of his intrigues; but he was subsequently governor of Lyons, and died at Paris, 18th July 1730.