of Chiel dans le Rhône

Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The castle of Chiel, located in Lucenay near Lyon, was the cradle of the Chiel family, a noble lineage of feudal and chivalrous origin attested from the beginning of the eleventh century. This family, native to Bugey and Lyonnais, possessed land and titles in the region, including those of lords of Chiel, Beaulieu, or Trédo. The castle, now in ruins, symbolized their local power and alliance with the Lyon Church, notably through donations and tributes to the Abbé d'Ainay until the 14th century.

The Chiel family played a major role in Lyon's medieval society, providing knights, canons-counts of Lyon, and influential lords. Among its members, Hugues de Chiel, mentioned in 1040 in the archives of the Church of Lyon, illustrates their early connection with religious institutions. Over the centuries, the family extended its possessions, including castles such as Beaulieu to Morancé or Montellier en Bugey, while founding institutions such as the Saint-André Hospital.

The decline of the male line occurred at the end of the 16th century, when the last heir emigrated to Scotland. His grandson, James Dashiell (anglicization of Chiel), settled in Maryland in the seventeenth century, marking the end of the family presence in France. Today, the name only remains in North America, while the remains of Chiel Castle in Lucenay recall their Lyon heritage.

Among the notable figures, Antoine de Chiel distinguished himself as vice-governor of Nice under Amédée VIII de Savoie, then chestnut of La Turbie. The family also included five canon-counts in the Chapter of Saint John of Lyon between the 12th and 15th centuries, including Hugues de Chiel in the 12th century and François de Chiel, who resigned in favour of Henry d'Albon in 1398. These ecclesiastical and noble alliances (with the Coligny, Grolée, or Bocsozel) consolidated their status until their hexagonal disappearance.

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