Villars, Claude Louis Hector, Duc de 1653-1734
French soldier

He was born in Moulins. He fought in the Third Dutch War (1672-78), and in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-14). He became Marshal of France, and was commissioned to put down the Camisards (1704). He defended the north-eastern frontier against the Duke of Marlborough, and in 1708 he defeated the attempts of Prince Eug�ne to penetrate into France. In 1709 he was sent to oppose Marlborough in the north, but at Malplaquet was severely wounded. In 1711 he headed the last army France could raise, and with it fell upon the British and Dutch at Denain (July 1712). He then defeated Prince Eug�ne and signed the Peace of Rastatt (1714). He became principal adviser on military affairs and on foreign policy and was a strong opponent of the financial measures of the Scottish financier John Law. He fought admirably again in his 80s in the war of 1732-34 in Italy. He died in Turin.