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The Two Victorian-Era French Women Who Dueled In The Street With Socks Filled With Sand
Two young ladies had a violent public brawl using very unconventional weapons
There are countless reasons why people have fought each other throughout history, and nearly as many different methods of combat. However, one of the most unusual has to be the case of two young women in Victorian-Era France, who battled each other on a public street using socks that were filled with sand.
Although not legally sanctioned since the mid 16th century, duels were a common method for two parties to try to obtain satisfaction in a contentious matter. Continuing through the 19th century (and every so often even further beyond), combatants typically used swords, knives or guns when squaring off. In some cases, whatever was handy was used instead.
The Petit Journal reported a very unusual duel in their November 1, 1902 issue. In Paris, France, two young women became so heated over a reason that has been lost to history that they decided right then and there to settle their differences in the middle of the street (Rue du General-Morin) in broad daylight.
20-year-old Louise Henin, described as a “beautiful girl,” somehow found herself at odds with 23-year-old Andree Merle. The reason for…
