Not Tonight Josephine ... Trivia Quiz

Answer: Martinique

Josephine was born on Martinique, French West Indies on 23rd June 1763. Her parents, Joseph Gaspard Tascher and Rose-Claire des Vergers, owned a large sugar plantation on Martinique. Later in life, Josephine was to become the first Empress of France.

Answer: 16

Originally, the marriage was planned between the Vicomte and Josephine's twelve year old sister, Catherine. Unfortunately, Catherine died before leaving Martinique and Josephine took her place. Her parents' sugar plantations had been devastated by hurricanes and the marriage to the wealthy Vicomte put an end to the family's financial problems.

Answer: Eugene and Hortense

Although it was rumoured that Josephine's marriage to the Vicomte was not a happy one she did bear him two children. The first a son, Eugene born in 1781 and then a daughter, Hortense, born two years later in 1783.

Answer: The Vicomte was sentenced to death and guillotined

During the "Reign of Terror" many aristocrats were arrested and sentenced to death, often accused of undermining the French Revolution. Josephine herself was arrested and sentenced to death. Fortunately, the instigator of the Reign of Terror, Robespierre was himself executed and Josephine was released five days later.

Answer: General Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon fell in love with Josephine at first sight and made her his mistress.
They were married on 9th March 1796. Josephine was six years older than her new husband and was not well received by his family. With numerous separations while Napoleon was busy conquering Europe, it is believed they both took lovers and both angrily accused each other of infidelity.

Answer: Emperor and Empress of the French

Their marriage was already in chaos at this time; Josephine had shortly before caught Napoleon in bed with her lady in waiting! It was Hortense, Josephine's daughter that helped to reconcile them and encouraged her mother to go ahead with the coronation. The ceremony took place at Notre Dame, Paris, and Pope Pius VII. officiated.

Answer: Marie-Louise of Austria

Josephine and Napoleon's marriage was annulled on the 10th of January, 1810 and Napoleon married Marie-Louise of Austria on the 11th of March, just over a month later. He allowed Josephine to keep her title of Empress and has been quoted as saying "It is my will that she retain the rank and title of Empress, and especially that she never doubts my sentiments, and that she ever hold me as her best and dearest friend".

Answer: Botany and horticulture

Josephine had bought the Chateau de Malmaison while Napoleon had was fighting in Egypt. Josephine had the gardens landscaped in the English style of the time and hoped to collect every known rose. It is estimated that she had around 250 different types by the time of her death. Even the war between Britain and France did not stop Josephine receiving roses from England!

Answer: Pneumonia

On the 29th May 1814, a few days after taking a walk in her gardens with the Tsar Alexandria a cold turned into pneumonia and she died at the age of fifty. She is buried at the church of Saint Pierre in Rueil, along with her daughter, Hortense.

Answer: In exile on the island of Elba

By that time the great Napoleon Bonaparte was in exile. Apparently he locked himself in his room, refusing to see anyone for two days. He told a friend "I truly loved Josephine but could not respect her."