Deshayes, Catherine (d. 1680)

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Deshayes, Catherine (d. 1680)

French poisoner. Name variations: Madame Monvoisin; Catherine Monvoisin; La Voisin. Burned at the stake, Feb 22, 1680; main figure accused in the Affair of the Poisons, lasting 1679–1682.

During the 2nd "Affair of the Poisons" (1679) was incriminated for offering fortunetelling, drugs, poisons and black masses for her numerous clients, members of the higher nobility, as well as ordinary folk; was burned to death in the Place de Grèves.

See also Women in World History.