Marie-Christine de Lalaing

In the absence of her husband, she defended the city of Tournai against Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma, in 1581.

[1] In the middle of the 16th Century, Calvinist preachers garnered large support in Tournai, despite the efforts of Philip II of Spain to eradicate the movement.

In 1576, the States General of the Netherlands appointed Pierre de Melun as governor of Tournai.

Shortly after his departure, the Prince of Orange was warned that Farnese would attack the city, despite the coming winter.

When the Army of Flanders arrived at the city, Marie-Christine de Lalaing rallied her troops in a speech: "It's me, the wife of your governor who is now marching into war, risking his own life, in service of his country.