Camille d'Hostun de la Baume, duc de Tallard (14 February 1652 – 20 March 1728) was a French nobleman, diplomat and military commander, who became a Marshal of France.
Military career
Tallard was granted a commission in the French Royal Army at the age of 15. He later served under the prince de Condé in the Netherlands, and from 1674, under Turenne in Alsace. He was promoted maréchal de camp in 1678, and served in the Nine Years' War (1688–1697).
His friendship with King Louis XIV ensured a position of authority. When King James II died in September 1701, King Louis recognised James's son as his successor to the throne of England. Consequently, King William III expelled Tallard from London in 1702. A relief force under the Prince of Hesse-Kassel (or Hesse-Cassel) was roundly defeated by Tallard's force at the Battle of Speyerbach on 15 November. As a result, Landau fell two days later. Shortly after, Tallard was created Marshal of France.
thumb|right|220px|Plaque on [[Newdigate House]]
Tallard was placed in overall command of the combined Franco-Bavarian army, but the subsequent Battle of Blenheim on 13 August 1704 resulted in complete destruction of his forces. Decisively beaten, he was captured and taken back to England and housed on parole in Chatsworth, Derbyshire and Newdigate House Nottingham.
During his stay in Britain, he is credited with introducing celery to English cuisine.
Later life
On his release in 1711 he returned to France. Despite the calamity of Blenheim, Louis appeared to bear the Marshal no ill will.