Marshal of France
“I am your prisoner, my lord Duke. The fortune of war has decided against me.”Attribution unverified
Marshal Tallard was a capable French commander and experienced diplomat who had the misfortune to face Marlborough and Eugene at their brilliant best. At Blenheim in 1704, Tallard commanded the French center, which was shattered by Marlborough's combined arms assault. He was captured and spent eight years as a prisoner in England at Nottingham — where he introduced the cultivation of celery to English gardens. He was an intelligent, cultivated prisoner, well-treated by the English, and returned to France in 1712 when his exchange was finally arranged. His military reputation never recovered from Blenheim.
Did you know?
During his eight years as a prisoner at Nottingham, England, he introduced the cultivation of celery as a salad vegetable to British horticulture
August 13, 1704 · 54,000 disputed total casualties
Blenheim was the first major French defeat in fifty years and saved Vienna from conquest. It destroyed Bourbon hopes of knocking Austria out of the war. For Marlborough, it was his defining moment — for which Queen Anne gave him Blenheim Palace. It remains one of the most tactically brilliant battles in British military history.
February 14, 1652
🌅 Birth
Born at Grignon, Drôme, France
August 13, 1704
⚔️ Battle
Battle of Blenheim — captured by Marlborough after French center collapses
1704–1712
📍 Posting
Prisoner of war at Nottingham, England — introduces celery cultivation
March 20, 1728
✝️ Death
Died in Paris