'High-born, ambitious and headstrong'

Davidsfonds Rotselaar and Heemkring Groot-Rotselaar are organizing an exclusive lecture about Marie Catherine Josephe, Countess of Merode. Freeke de Meyer wrote a captivating biography of this noble lady. On April 10, 1743, Marie Catherine Josephe was born as a love child from the scandalous marriage of the Prince of Rubempré with his linen maid. Marie Catherine managed a gigantic patrimony for years, negotiated advantageous marriages, arranged prestigious careers, and involved herself in political debates. Very recently, Freeke de Meyer, together with Mirella Mariina, created the historical podcast 'Vrouwen des huizes' (Women of the House), which focuses on two noble women: Duchess Anna van Croy (1564–1635) and 'our' Countess Marie Catherine van Merode: Vrouwen des huizes.