Élisabeth Bouissonade

Élisabeth Bouissonade (died 9 March 1647) led a women's uprising in Montpellier, France, in the 17th century in a revolt against a tax and the way it was rumored to be borne by women with children. As punishment, by the King's order, she was hanged in the public square in front of Notre-Dame-des-Tables, the main church of the city.

Biography Élisabeth Bouissonade was a single woman of unknown origin who lived in Montpellier and had no children. It appears she was a servant.

Revolt In Montpellier, Élisabeth Bouissonade led a crowd of 400 to 500 women of "low social standing" in protest on 29 June 1645. She is described by a nickname "La Branlaïre" ("the Shaker")

Legacy A women's shelter bears her name: the Centre Elisabeth Bouissonnade (sic) in Montpellier. It is one of the first refuges in the country that welcomes women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. thumb

A tram in Montpellier displays Élisabeth Bouissonade's name near the door. It has been nicknamed the "flower train."