This countess wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. I'm Adam from Ripley's.com, and this is your Weird Minute. Constance Markovich was a London countess in the late 1800s. After spending time in an expansive estate and rubbing elbows with Queen Victoria, she embarked on a life of freedom fighting and leadership. After breaking it off with her Polish husband at the outbreak of World War I,
she became an active leader in the fight for Irish independence. She trained soldiers and led Irish suffragettes, eventually starting a female fighting force. She spent time with the commoners, suffering food shortages during the Dublin lockout, and went on to become a commander for the Irish Citizens Army. Though she was defeated during the Easter Rebellion, she became known for reluctantly handing over her revolver in surrender, only after giving it a kiss.
Found guilty of treason, she was sentenced to death by firing squad, but was given a life sentence solely and only on account of her sex, according to the court. She spent 13 months in jail before being released. She was then elected to the House of Commons, the first ever woman given the honour, but turned the seat down as protest for independence. For more strange stories, visit Ripleys.com, rate The Weird Minute if you haven't already, and tune in tomorrow for another Minute of Odd.