Hugonet came from a non-noble family from
Mâcon, and was educated in law at the university. In 1455 he entered the service of
Philip the Good. In 1467 he married Louise de Layé, who came from an aristocratic family in
Beaujolais. After the death of Philip the Good, his son
Charles the Bold became Duke of Burgundy. During his reign, the career of Hugonet was further advanced and in 1471 he was ennobled and promoted to chancellor, or head of the administration, of Burgundy. He acquired several titles and the lordship of
Middelburg, as well as houses in
Mechelen,
Brussels and
Bruges. Following the death of the Duke at the
Battle of Nancy, Hugonet was imprisoned, and in 3 April 1477 executed, by the citizens of
Ghent, who blamed him for having reduced the independence and power of the urban elites during the reign of Charles the Bold. ==References==