DUCHESSE

MARIE MADELEINE DE WIGNEROD DU

See also:

• PONT (or KYLPONT), ROBERT (1524–1606)

PONT DE COURLAY

See also:

• AIGUILLON, EMMANUEL ARMAND DE WIGNEROD DU PLESSIS DE RICHELIEU
• DUCHESSE MARIE MADELEINE DE WIGNEROD DU PONT DE COURLAY AIGUILLON

AIGUILLON  D' (1604-1675), daughter of Cardinal Richelieu's sister . In 162o she married a nephew of the constable de Luynes, Antoine de Beauvoir du Roure, sieur de Combalet, who died in 1622 . In 1625, through her uncle's influence, she was made a lady-in-waiting (dame d'atour) to the queen-mother, and in 1638 was created duchess of Aiguillon . She did not marry a second time, although Richelieu wished to marry her to a prince—either to the comte de Soissons or to the king's brother . After the death of the cardinal (1642) she retained her honours and titles, but withdrew from the court, and devoted herself entirely to works of charity . She entered into relations with Saint Vincent de Paul and helped him to establish the hospital for foundlings . She also took part in organizing the General Hospital and several others in the provinces . She died on the 17th of April 1675 . She was the patroness of Corneille, who in 1636 dedicated to her his tragedy of The Cid .