MARIGNY (Enguerrand de)
(Lyons-la-Forêt, circa 1260 - Paris, 1315.) Advisor to Philippe le Bel. Having come to the Court at a very young age, cultured and intelligent, Enguerrand de Marigny knew how to win the good graces of Philippe IV le Bel.
The latter's wife, Jeanne de Navarre, from whom he was named baker, made him marry his goddaughter Jeanne de Saint-Martin. Philippe IV, whose favorite he became at the very beginning of the 14th century, appointed him chamberlain, count of Longueville, lord of the Louvre, the height of honors and wealth. Successively a man of war and a negotiator, Enguerrand de Marigny became one of the main advisers to the king, particularly with regard to finance:he was in favor of the alterations of currency operated by the king, but also provided for the organization of a budget. The people hated him, reproached him for the increase in taxes, while his favor and his fortune brought him many enmities at Court, in particular that of Charles de Valois, brother of the king. Also, after the death of the latter, in 1314, he was accused, among other misdeeds, of having altered the coins and betrayed the king for the benefit of the Flemings.
The new sovereign, Louis X, who did not want him dead and would gladly be content to exile him, abandoned him to the fury of his barons when a new accusation was made, that of witchcraft. Locked up in the Temple, the former guard of the Treasury appeared before an assembly of prelates who, without having heard him, condemned him to death. Enguerrand de Marigny is therefore hanged on the gibbet of Montfaucon. Later, Louis X will bequeath a large sum to the widow and children of the victim.