Was Bontemps a real person?
Alexandre Bontemps (1626–1701) was the valet of King Louis XIV and a powerful figure at the court of Versailles, respected and feared for his exceptional access to the King. There were four head or Premier valets de chambre, of whom Bontemps became the most senior in 1665, and thirty-two valets.
Who plays Bontemps in Versailles?
Stuart Bowman
Meet Stuart Bowman. He’s Scottish. But in the oh-so-elegant and steamy period television drama, Versailles, he is most definitely French. He plays Louis XIV’s valet, Alexandre Bontemps, who lived from 1626 to 1701.
Who was Louis XIV most trusted advisor?
Colbert was one of Louis XIV’s most trusted advisers and stayed in constant contact with the King.
- Jean-Baptiste Colbert.
- Comptroller-General of Finances.
- Life at Court. From 1619 to 1683. Reign of Louis XIV.
- His traces at Versailles.
Who was Louis XIV right hand man?
Louvois
Louis XIV’s Minister and Colbert’s fierce rival, Louvois (1641-1691) was the Sun King’s confidant and closest collaborator.
Did the man in the iron mask really exist?
The anonymous prisoner has since inspired countless stories and legends—writings by Voltaire and Alexandre Dumas helped popularized the myth that his mask was made of iron—yet most historians agree that he existed. Unfortunately, Matthiole likely died in 1694—several years too early for him to be the Mask.
What is a valet to a king?
The title of valet enabled access to the monarch or other employer; the “chambre” originally referred to rooms such as the throne room, or the Privy chamber where the ruler conducted his more private meetings, but services extended to the bedroom as well.
Was there a man in the iron mask in France?
During the reign of King Louis XIV, an enigmatic man spent several decades confined to the Bastille and other French prisons. He was a longtime prisoner, and his name is similar to “Marchioly”—the alias under which the Mask was buried. …
What did Louis XIV do good?
With the help of his finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV established reforms that cut France’s deficit and promoted industrial growth. During his reign, Louis XIV managed to improve France’s disorganized system of taxation and limit formerly haphazard borrowing practices.
Was Louis the 14 a good king?
Louis XIV was a handsome young man with good health. “(Louis XIV) was graceful, dignified and awe-inspiring, if humourless.” Louis took his position as king very seriously. He saw that what was good for him was good for France.