Margaretha Sandra

Margaretha Sandra (7 January 1629 in Middelburg – 21 June 1674 in Aardenburg, Zeeland), was a Dutch heroine, known for her participation in the defense of Aardenburg during the two-night siege by the French in 1672. Life Margaretha grew up in Middelburg and Sluis, as the eldest daughter in a family with nine children. By 1672, she had been widowed twice and had married for the third time to Pieter Roman. They were living in Aardenburg, Netherlands.

A controversial reputation Margaretha Sandra's name was not specifically mentioned in descriptions of the battle at that time, which has led to some controversy over her role as heroine. However, according to Kloek, Sandra's legend may have merit. Indeed, the documents about the siege—mostly eyewitness letters, printed extracts of which were distributed immediately in 1672—make no mention of Margaretha Sandra. However, almost all of them report on the women's participation in the struggle... It is possible that Margaretha Sandra's name has been mentioned in one of these letters, but has not been included in the extract that appeared in print. Sandra died two years after the battle and had no children.