Sébastien Zamet (born 1549)
Sébastien Zamet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1549 Lucca, Tuscany |
| Died | Error: Need valid birth date (second date): year, month, day Paris, France |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, nobleman |
| Known for | Financier in France, baron de Murat and de Billy, governor of Château de Fontainebleau |
Sébastien Zamet (born 1549 in Lucca – died July 1614 in Paris) was an Italian-born financier who became a prominent figure in France, holding the noble titles of baron de Murat and de Billy.
Life
Originally named Sebastiano Zametti and hailing from Lucca in Tuscany, he relocated to France as part of the Italian entourage associated with Catherine de' Medici, all seeking opportunities for advancement. Starting his career as a valet to King Henry III, Zamet distinguished himself through his cleverness and entrepreneurial spirit, engaging notably in lucrative salt trade operations. He was granted French citizenship in 1581.
Zamet developed strong connections with the Catholic League and its prominent figures, particularly Charles, Duke of Mayenne. In 1592, he played a key role in negotiating Mayenne’s reconciliation with King Henry IV, culminating in a truce in 1593 that secured royal favor. This alliance deepened, with Henry IV often visiting Zamet’s Parisian residence, the Hôtel Zamet on rue de la Cerisaie. The mansion functioned as a discreet setting for the king’s private and social affairs. Capitalizing on this close relationship, Zamet obtained various privileges and offices, including the baronial titles as engagist lord de Murat and de Billy.
In 1599, Gabrielle d'Estrées, the king’s mistress, died at Zamet’s hotel under circumstances that sparked rumors of poisoning, although these allegations were never substantiated. The Hôtel Zamet subsequently accommodated Marie de Médicis when she arrived in Paris to wed Henry IV in 1600.
Following the assassination of Henry IV in 1610, Zamet maintained the trust of Queen Marie, dining regularly with her and continuing to advise her. He held the positions of governor of the Château de Fontainebleau and superintendent of the queen mother’s household.
Family
Zamet was married to Madeleine Leclerc du Tremblay; together they had two children:
- Jean Zamet, who inherited the baronies of Murat and Billy, served as mestre de camp of the Picardie regiment, later becoming marshal of camp; he died during the siege of Montpellier on 8 September 1622.
- Sébastien Zamet, who became bishop of Langres.
He passed away in Paris on 14 July 1614.
Bibliography
- Olivier Giron, « De la cordonnerie de Lucques à la baronnie de Billy ou le destin de Sébastien Zamet », Bulletin de la Société d'émulation du Bourbonnais, 64, 4th trimester 1988.
- Michaud, Biographie universelle, ancienne et moderne, Paris, 1828.
- Jean-Baptiste Ladvocat, Dictionnaire historique et bibliographique, Paris, 1822.