(Profile, 5.99)
When she was 14, Thrse Humbert's mother died, leaving her to bring up her five younger siblings. The palaces she invented for them to live in as children became reality. After marrying the son of the French Minister for Justice, Thrse opened a salon which soon became the centre of Parisian life. She was, for 21 years, the most powerful woman in France, until in 1902 her humble origins were exposed.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article