Italian Nobility. Duchess of Modena. Daughter of Girolamo Martinozzi and his wife Laure-Marguerite Mazarini, a sister of Jules and Michel Mazarin. She came to France in 1653 with her mother Laure-Marguerite, her aunt Geronima and three cousins Maria, Hortense and Phillipo Mancini. They stayed in Aix for six months to get used to the french climate and culture. From there they traveled to Paris. Maria and Hortense were sent to a convent to be raised. She was married by proxy in Compiégne in February 1655 to Alfonso d'Este. Alfonsos father, Francesco, needed the help of France against Spain and Mazarin could marry another niece into a noble house. She gave birth to her first child, a boy, in 1657. One year later, in October 1658, Alfonso succeeded his father as Duke of Modena. Their first child also died in this month, on the sixth, and a daughter, Mary Beatrice was born on the fifth. In 1660 she gave birth to her third child Francesco. Two years later Alfonso died and was succeeded by his son. Laura very successfully and wisely acted as his regent supported and advised by Louis XIV. of France. It was also Louis who looked for a husband for her daughter. He finally decided on the Duke of York, but Mary wanted to become a nun. Only after intervention of the pope she reluctantly agreed to marry the Duke. Her mother escorted her to Versailles where they received a warm welcome from the king. In 1674 she handed over the power to her son and went to Rome. She lived there for the rest of her days a pious life.
Italian Nobility. Duchess of Modena. Daughter of Girolamo Martinozzi and his wife Laure-Marguerite Mazarini, a sister of Jules and Michel Mazarin. She came to France in 1653 with her mother Laure-Marguerite, her aunt Geronima and three cousins Maria, Hortense and Phillipo Mancini. They stayed in Aix for six months to get used to the french climate and culture. From there they traveled to Paris. Maria and Hortense were sent to a convent to be raised. She was married by proxy in Compiégne in February 1655 to Alfonso d'Este. Alfonsos father, Francesco, needed the help of France against Spain and Mazarin could marry another niece into a noble house. She gave birth to her first child, a boy, in 1657. One year later, in October 1658, Alfonso succeeded his father as Duke of Modena. Their first child also died in this month, on the sixth, and a daughter, Mary Beatrice was born on the fifth. In 1660 she gave birth to her third child Francesco. Two years later Alfonso died and was succeeded by his son. Laura very successfully and wisely acted as his regent supported and advised by Louis XIV. of France. It was also Louis who looked for a husband for her daughter. He finally decided on the Duke of York, but Mary wanted to become a nun. Only after intervention of the pope she reluctantly agreed to marry the Duke. Her mother escorted her to Versailles where they received a warm welcome from the king. In 1674 she handed over the power to her son and went to Rome. She lived there for the rest of her days a pious life.
Bio by: Lutetia
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