Background
Margot was born in Montélimar, France. Little is known about her early life. It is not certain that Margot Delaye ever existed.
Margot was born in Montélimar, France. Little is known about her early life. It is not certain that Margot Delaye ever existed.
In May 1570 Montelimar was besieged by an army under the Huguenot Louis of Nassau, and women participated vigorously in the defense of their town. According to tradition, Margot Delaye was credited with disabling Louis by striking him over the head with a cast-iron cooking pot. Delaye was seriously wounded during the fighting. She lost her arm. The defense of Montelimar was successful, and the enemy army had to give up on taking the town.
Margot Delaye is known for heroic actions during the war in France in the second half of the sixteenth century.
Today in the castle of Montelimar one can admire a large tableau by Francois Grellet showing Margot Delaye on the ramparts preparing to topple a load of stone rubble on an attacker.
The city of Montélimar gave the name of Margot Delaye to one of its streets.
Margot Delaye was said to be a modest washerwoman.
Margot betrothed or married to a knight who had likely died in battle.
