dynasty
In 1309, RainierI established Chateau Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer
thus made an alliance with the count of
Flanders to monopolize trade between
England and the continent. This quickly
compromised many ports, especially along
the French coast, which began to incur
some serious losses.
The wealthy merchants became a potential
threat to the ruling nobility in Flanders.
French King, Philip IV, supported the
lords, while Edward I was standing with
the merchants. In 1302, it all resulted
in a military clash and the defeat of the
aristocrats led by Philip IV. The French
monarch was forced to seek help.
Remembering the services offered to
Charles of Anjou, Philip IV turned to Rainier
Grimaldi.
The Battle of Zierikzee
Rainier brought 16 armed galleys to the
French coast and Philip IV engaged 20
of his own ships. Rainier was in charge
of training the French soldiers for the
battle with the English, whose fleet was
considerably inferior to the French. The
Dutch and Flemish allies of England,
however, had an excellent naval flotilla
and reputation.
The battle took place in August, 1304 at
Zierikzee. Despite the superior enemy,
the French fleet under Rainier’s leadership
won the battle, and captured the Flemish
Admiral, Guy de Dampier. In gratitude, King
Philip IV granted Rainier the title of Admiral
General of France and presented him with
the French city of Villeneuve, in Normandy.
The glory of Rainier’s
f leet was phenomenal.
His courage brought
him fame all across the
Mediterranean.
The Rainier I family
In 1309, Rainier built a fortress known
today as the Chateau Grimaldi in Cagnes-
sur-Mer. He was then given the title of
lord of Cagnes.
The Lord of Monaco was married twice.
His first marriage was with Salvatica del
Carretto, daughter of Giacomo del Carretto,
Margrave of Finale (in Liguria). Salvatica
gave Rainier four sons: Charles, Vinci
Guerra, Salvaggia, and Luca, the future lord
of Villefranche. Rainier’s second wife was
Andriola Grillo, but they had no children.
Admiral Rainier died in 1314, and his son
Charles I became the next Grimaldi ruler.
Hello Monaco – Winter 2018 / 91