May 8: Joan of Arc and the Siege of Orléans (1429)
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of France.
History Note
The Hundred Years’ War is the name given to a series of conflicts between England and France in the 1300s and 1400s.
Joan of Arc was born in France around 1412 in the midst of these conflicts. As a teenager, Joan believed that she received spiritual revelations of a special mission. She decided that she should support the young Charles, son of King Charles VI of France (1368-1422), as the rightful heir to the throne of France.
By the spring of 1429, English forces had been besieging the French city of Orléans for several months. Joan met with Charles and persuaded him to let her go to Orléans. She arrived dressed in full armor and inspired the French soldiers and citizens.
On May 8, French forces defeated the English forces and lifted the siege of Orléans. The story of Joan’s success brought more supporters to the cause of Charles, and his army marched to the city of Rheims. Joan was present when Charles was crowned King Charles VII on July 17 at the cathedral in Rheims.
Supporters of the Duke of Burgundy, who opposed Charles VII, captured Joan in 1430 and turned her over to the English. The English authorities subjected Joan to harsh imprisonment and to an ecclesiastical trial that determined she was a heretic. Joan was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.
Joan’s conviction was reversed in 1456. She has remained an inspirational figure in French history, and in 1920 the Roman Catholic Church canonized her.
No portrait of Joan made during her lifetime is known to exist. This illustration from a 1429 French manuscript represents Joan, though the artist had not seen her in person.
Learn More
Watch this short biography of Joan’s life.
Find other resources at Homeschool History.
