MONTMORENCY, ANNE de. – Born at Chantilly on 12 November 1493, died at St-Denis on 12 November 1567. The name Anne was given to him by his godmother, Anna of Brittany. He enjoyed the full favor of Francesco I and took part in his campaigns. He was taken prisoner with him at Pavia; then, after being released, he was given the government of Languedoc. Lieutenant general and later constable, he defeated the Imperial forces and in 1537 reconquered Piedmont.
When the cession of the Duchy of Milan by Carlo V to his son Filippo caused France to lose all hope of regaining that province, M., who had become a supporter of a peaceful agreement with the Emperor, fell into disfavor and left the court. He nevertheless returned under Enrico II, of whom he was for a long time the most trusted adviser. In 1551 he was appointed duke and peer. During the campaign of 1552–54 he suffered repeated defeats and was taken prisoner at S. Quintino. But the King retained his confidence in him, enabling him to lead the negotiations for the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis. He subsequently took part in the Wars of Religion and in 1567, while defending Paris against the Calvinists, was defeated at St-Denis, refused to surrender, and was mortally wounded.