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The origin of the name
Henry de Senectère (1573-1662), the first to bear
the name, was Seigneur de Senectère, Valbeleix, La Ferté
Nabert and Marali in Anjou, ambassador to England and Rome, member of
the secret council under Louis XIII, Minister of state under Mazarin,
great politician and faithful and selfless servant of the State. He had
a son, Henry II (1600-1681), baron of La Ferté. The young man was
attracted to arms from an early age. He distinguished himself at Hedin
in 1638 where he was named Maréchal de Camp. After the battle of
Rocroi he was made Lieutenant General of the King’s Armies and,
as a reward, was made responsible for governing Lorraine, Barrois and
Clermont.
The staff of Maréchal de France was given to him in 1651.
After the signature of the peace treaty between France and Spain, the
Maréchal de Senectère was made Governor for Metz and Vic
as well as for the Verdun Bishopric.
In 1666, Louis XIV elevated the barony of la Ferté Saint-Nectaire
to “Duché-Pairie”.
Henry II de Senectère then devoted himself to promoting the cheese
that, from then on, was to bear the name of his illustrious family. It
is said that the frequent request by Louis XIV for Monsieur de Senectère’s
cheese thus consecrated the Saint-Nectaire appellation.
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