Margot Waters

Marguerite Catherine Ponsoye known as " Gandonne" illustrated under the name of Margot Waters in April 1570 with Montélimar. Heroin of Montélimar which took part to save the city of the attacks of the army of the count Ludovic de Nassau.

History

At the month of April 1570, part of the Protestant army ordered by the Admiral de Coligny and Ludovic de Nassau arrived at the doors of Montélimar held by the catholics. It is during one of the attacks that the legend of Margot Delaye occurred. The soldiers with court of ammunition accepted the reinforcements of the inhabitants and among them of some women, of which Margot Delaye. That Ci went to the combat on the rampart and to court of weapons threw known as one all that came by there, namely ustensils and stones. It lost the right hand or the arm in a combat with Ludovic de Nassau which it struck with a heavy cast iron pot. The legend told that it killed it but it mourrut makes some in 1574. For its facts and its wound, the consuls of Montélimar offered the home and the " pain" , as well as wine…

The origins and the true story of Margot Delaye are documented little. It seems to belong to the Ponsoye family, of the branch of Borough-Saint-Andéol, and belonged to the ancestors of Pasteur Edmond Ponsoye and his brother, the historian of the valentinois, Doctor Charles Ponsoye. It was said modest lavender field, promised in marriage or married according to the legend with a died knight with the combat. The malicious gossip of the time also affirmed that it was bastard of Pierre of Poitiers, lord of Bush hammer.

The town of Montélimar gave the name of Margot Delaye to one of its streets.

Iconography

A table signed François Pickaxe, deposited with the museum of Montélimar, and now installed with the Town hall, was carried out at the XIXe century, was presented to the Salon of 1880 and was acquired by the French State then in deposit near the town of Montélimar. An engraving of it was drawn.

Sources

Dr. Menuret, the dictionary of Gaules

Baron de Coston, History of Montélimar and the principal families which lived this city - 4 flight 1878

Documentation

“Margot Waters” by Marylène Marcel-Ponthier ( Studies Dromoises , June 2006)

It is during the period of the wars of religion, about 1570, that this young person montilienne illustrated itself. The Protestant army, under the direction of the count Ludovic de Nassau, arrives in front of Montélimar, city held by the catholics. Resistance is organized and the seat starts. But, as of on May 13rd, Coligny orders to raise the seat, perhaps because of the vigorous resistance led by energetic montiliennes. Among those, Marguerite Ponsoye, known as Margot, whose patronym is perhaps that of her husband… The Newspaper of Montélimar of January 9th, 1909, under the feather of Bourron, wonders: “That is this thus that this enigmatic Margot Delaye? Did it save really the Montélimar old man? The legend says yes, the communal records are less affirmative…” As in any legend, there are truth and forgery, but the concrete and checked elements are cruelly lacking. But what imports! Perhaps is necessary it to see there, rather than a homage to enigmatic Margot, an anthem with all the courageous women who had, and who will still have, the warlike heart.

Bonds of family

Edmond Ponsoye

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