Henry VI – Part One
Joan of Arc
Duke John resumed the war in 1427 and in 1428 reinforcements of 2,700 men were scraped together. With the much needed extra men Duke John decided upon an attack on Orleans and by 1429 the town was under siege. However, this was deep into hostile territory and the garrison was four times the size of the English army. Nevertheless, Duke John was confident of an eventual victory.
French military leadership had failed on numerous occasions when they met the English in battle situations. What they needed was an inspirational leader, who would guide them to victory. It was at this time that one such person stepped forward, in the shape of a young girl who would go down in history as Joan of Arc. She became the symbol of France. In visions she claimed to have been chosen by Saint Michael to command the armies that would liberate France.
Part of mural at the Panthéon de Paris
By now the Dauphin was willing to clutch at any straw that might lead to victory, so Joan was conducted to his Court. It is said that she mingled with all the courtiers and all those present were deeply moved when she picked the Dauphin out of the throng. She was given a sword and clad in armour for the daunting task ahead. Joan and the French troops marched through the surrounding English without being molested and entered Orleans. The English, mystified at such an approach, merely gaped as she and her followers passed by them. This was the start of a French offensive that would continue for years.
The French commander retuned to Paris and left Joan in Orleans. She called for an onslaught on the besiegers and in the ensuing battle she was wounded by an arrow. However, under her leadership the English were either killed or driven off, the Earl of Suffolk taken prisoner, and the siege was lifted. Joan was victorious in other encounters and in June of 1429 she told the Dauphin that he should march on Rheims, to be crowned as King of France. The idea seemed fantastic, as Rheims lay deep into territory under English control. However, the French had faith in Joan and every town opened its gates and people crowded to the aid of the Dauphin. Like a miracle, with Joan at his side the Dauphin was crowned at Rheims as Charles VII of France.