Louis Joseph, Duke of Vendôme


Louis Joseph de Bourbon
Duke of Vendôme
Portrait by Hendrik Scheffer
Born(1654-07-01)1 July 1654
Paris, France
Died11 June 1712(1712-06-11) (aged 57)
Vinaròs, Spain
BuriedEl Escorial, Spain
Noble familyBourbon-Vendôme
Spouse(s)
(m. 1710)
FatherLouis, Duke of Vendôme
MotherLaura Mancini
Signature
Military career
Allegiance Kingdom of France
RankMarshal of France
Battles / wars

Louis Joseph de Bourbon, Duke of Vendôme, often simply called Vendôme (1 July 1654  11 June 1712) was a French general and Marshal of France. One of the great generals of his era, he was one of Louis XIV's most successful commanders in the War of the Grand Alliance and War of the Spanish Succession.

Vendôme joined the French Army and was promoted Lieutenant General in 1688 after his distinguished combat record in the Franco-Dutch War. Further successes entitled him to his first army command in 1695, and soon after, he was rewarded with a promotion to Marshal of France.

Vendôme was one of the most aggressive and successful French army commanders during the wars of Louis XIV. His charisma, courage and skill won him the loyalty of his troops and the Spanish crown for the House of Bourbon.