Blanche Monnier

Blanche Monnier was a French socialite from a well-respected, yet conservative bourgeoisie family in Poitiers. In 1874, at the age of 25, she wanted to marry an older lawyer who was not to her mother Louise’s liking. Her disapproving mother locked her in a tiny, dark room in the attic of their home, where she kept her secluded for 25 years. She was eventually found by police, then middle-aged and in an emaciated and filthy condition.

About Blanche Monnier in brief

Summary Blanche MonnierBlanche Monnier was a French socialite from a well-respected, yet conservative bourgeoisie family in Poitiers of old noble origins. In 1874, at the age of 25, she wanted to marry an older lawyer who was not to her mother Louise’s liking. Her disapproving mother, angered by her daughter’s defiance, locked her in a tiny, dark room in the attic of their home, where she kept her secluded for 25 years.

She was eventually found by police, then middle-aged and in an emaciated and filthy condition. After she was released from the room, she continued to suffer from mental health problems, including anorexia nervosa, schizophrenia, exhibitionism, and coprophilia. She eventually died in 1913 in apparent obscurity.