The Maid of Orleans

‘ But how to save France from English aggression!

Oh, how to ensure the Dauphin’s right to regal succession!’

In January 1429, Jeanne travelled to the town of Vaucouleurs and asked the garrison commander to allow her to visit the Dauphin at Chinon. The commander was astounded at her audacity to say the least, and sent her away. However, she told the commander that the French had suffered a defeat close to Orleans before the news had been reported. He mocked her boldness in disbelief. He later learned that this was in fact the case. How could she possibly have known this?

The battle of Rouvray.

Jeanne claimed that her prediction came through a divine communication whilst she was tending her animals, so the commander duly arranged for Jeanne to travel to Chinon to see the Dauphin.

‘What would the Dauphin make of the maid who promised him victory over the English in battle!

For so many years with their actions did the English cause French nerves to rattle!

Would he listen to her, or dismiss her rhetoric as mere, demented tittle tattle?

The Dauphin, Charles.

Goodness knows, this was an age of visionaries, many of whom were proved to be charlatans or lunatics. Would the girl from Domremy be any different? In this case yes! Jeanne made a great first impression upon the Dauphin, by identifying him when he was in disguise amongst his courtiers.

‘The Dauphin hoped to give Jeanne a little surprise!

On their first encounter, he appeared in front of her in disguise!’

The Dauphin was in low spirits and was convinced that the fall of Orleans was simply a matter of time. Perhaps it was just sheer desperation which prompted him to give Jeanne an audience. Jeanne told the Dauphin that she would be able to defeat the English and lift the siege of Orleans. She also confidently predicted that he would soon be crowned in Reims Cathedral, the traditional coronation location of French kings.

‘My mission is to defeat the English and preserve the French nation!

As such, I will ensure that you are able to travel to Reims for your solemn coronation!’

The Dauphin and his advisers insisted that Jeanne be questioned by theologians, and eventually the Dauphin took the view that she was probably genuine. In April, 1429 Jeanne was en-route to Orleans at the head of an army, carrying her banner upon which was an image of Christ. In early May, she engaged the English and they quickly took flight on May 8th. The long siege of Orleans was over. It was an important victory and boosted French morale when it had been at its lowest.

Jeanne rode around the city to the rapturous applause of its citizens. These people had suffered terrible hardships during the six month siege. Many had given up hope, and now having been delivered from their foe, they were delirious with relief. They would eat, drink and be merry again.

The aftermath of the siege of Orleans.

The French victory was totally unexpected and Jeanne’s fame as a leader spread like wildfire through the ranks of both the English and French military. The French achieved a series of victories in swift succession which included the battle of Patay on June 18th. Patay has been described as an Agincourt in reverse and a great French victory. The result can be attributed to Jeanne’s decision to pursue the retreating English army when the other commanders could not make up their minds what to do.

The Battle of Patay.

The delighted French soldiers were heard to cry:

‘Patay! Patay! Patay! For France such a glorious day!

This was was the price that the English for their crimes, were forced to pay!

This is our revenge over the English for Agincourt!

This will not be the last victory, there will be more!’

By July Reims itself was in French hands. True to her word, the Dauphin was crowned King Charles VII of France in Reims Cathedral in July 1429. As you can see, Jeanne was present, looking on approvingly. To her mind, God’s will had been done.

Jeanne at the coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral.

‘The coronation of the Dauphin at Reims was to the English monarchy, a dreadful, humiliating blow!

To the English, the top priority was: Get the maid! And to that end, it was all systems go!’