10 Facts About Marshal Schomberg

Marshal Schomberg began his military career under Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, and in 1634 passed into the service of Sweden, entering that of France in 1635.

Marshal Schomberg then rejoined the French army as a general officer, served under Turenne in the campaigns against Conde, and became a lieutenant-general in 1665, receiving this rapid promotion perhaps partly owing to his relationship with Charles de Schomberg, duc d'Halluin.

Marshal Schomberg thus took command of the English brigade which consisted of three regiments in total 3,000 men.

Marshal Schomberg had been rewarded by the king of Portugal, in 1663, with the rank of Grandee, the title of count of Mertola and a pension of f 5000 a year.

The tide had now turned against the Huguenots, and Marshal Schomberg's merits had been long ignored on account of his adherence to the Protestant religion.

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The following year he was made a Knight of the Garter, was appointed Master-General of the Ordnance, was created Duke of Marshal Schomberg, and received from the House of Commons a vote of £100,000 to compensate him for the loss of his French estates, of which Louis had deprived him.

Marshal Schomberg's conduct was criticized in ill-informed quarters, but the facts justified his inactivity, and he gave what was said at the time to be a "striking example of his generous spirit" in placing at William of Orange's disposal for military purposes the £100,000 recently granted to him.

At the Battle of the Boyne, Marshal Schomberg gave his opinion against the determination of William to cross the river in face of the opposing army.

Marshal Schomberg was buried in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, where there is a monument to him, erected in 1731.

Marshal the Duke of Schomberg in passing this river died bravely fighting in defence of liberty.