Malesherbes

Chrétien-Guillaume de Lamoignon de Malesherbes (Known as "Malesherbes")

Statesman, Protector of the Encyclopédie, Defense Counsel for King Louis XVI, Guillotined

Born Dec 06, 1721

Paris, France

Passed Away Apr 23, 1794 Paris (Place de la Révolution), French Republic

Lifespan 72 years old

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Notice / Correction

"I was called to the council of the King when everyone sought it; I owe him my voice when all abandon him."

Archival Overview

Heroic magistrate and statesman who bravely shielded the Encyclopédie of Diderot and Rousseau from royal censorship, served as Minister of State, and courageously volunteered to defend Louis XVI before the revolutionary National Convention.

Biographical Record

As Director of the Book Trade (1750–1763), Malesherbes used his authority to secretly protect Enlightenment philosophers, warning Diderot of impending police raids and sheltering manuscripts in his own home. Serving as minister to Louis XVI, he passed the 1787 Edict of Versailles granting civil rights to Protestants.

In December 1792, when the National Convention put the deposed King on trial for treason, the 71-year-old Malesherbes stepped forward: 'I was called twice to the counsel of him who was my master; I owe him the same service when it has become dangerous.' For this nobility, he, his daughter, and his grandchildren were guillotined under Robespierre.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Errancis Cemetery (Later transferred to Catacombs of Paris)
Paris, France

                         GPS: 48.8339, 2.3325                    

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