St Joan of Arc

Description

In May 1429 the English and Burgundian soldiers attacked the French city of Orleans. Joan lead the French army to victory after a fierce battle lasting several days. With Orleans safe again, Joan and her army travelled northwards gaining more victories as they freed many French towns and villages. On July 17, 1429, the heir to the French throne was crowned King Charles VII of France in the Cathedral of Reims. Several months later on May 23, 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundian soldiers in the town of Compiegne north of Paris. After being moved from one castle to another, the nineteen year old Joan was handed over to the English in the city of Rouen. Joan was tried by the court assembled at Rouen and found guilty of witchcraft and on May 30, 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in the city market square. Ten years later King Charles had an inquiry held to discover the true circumstances of Joan’s trial and death and in July, 1456, Joan was found to be innocent of every charge laid against her. Joan of Arc was declared a saint by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920.