House of Cossé-Brissac

The house had its roots in Maine but later relocated to Anjou and could be traced back to 1492. Charles II de Cossé-Brissac was elevated to the rank of Duc de Brissac (previously Comte de Brissac) in 1611 and accompanied Louis XIII on his way to meet Anne of Austria for the first time. The son, grandson and great-grandson of Charles II both carried the title but since the grandson, Henri-Albert, died without issue it was transferred to Henri-Albert's cousin, Artus Timéleon Louis.

Incredibly, the family managed to keep the title alive through cousins and siblings since some died without heirs. The family also managed to stay in power during the empire of the Napoleons where they were somewhat restored but had to "make due" with the title of Marquis de Brissac - that was eventually raised again. From what I have been able to find out the last member died in 2001!

Titles held by the House of Cossé-Brissac:
Duc de Brissac
Duc de Cossé
Marquis de Thouracé

Special honours and notes:

• Grand Pannetier de France (Jean Paul Timéleon)
• Governor of Paris (Charles II and Louis Hercule)
• Commander of the Hundred Swiss Soldiers (Louis Hercule)
• Louis Hercule was assassinated by the revolutionary mob in 1792. He was beheaded (not by guillotine though) and his head was put on a stake and placed outside the home of Madame du Barry.

Image gallery:

Charles II -
first Duc de Brissac

Jean Paul Timéleon

Louis Hercule Timéleon

Emmanuel-Timéleon -