Joan of Arc Arrives to Relieve the Siege of Orléans

On April 29, 1429, Joan of Arc, a pivotal figure in the Hundred Years’ War, arrived to relieve the Siege of Orléans, marking a turning point in the conflict between France and England.

Historical Context

The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) was a protracted series of conflicts between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, primarily over claims to the French throne. By the early 15th century, the English had gained significant ground in France, capturing territories and asserting dominance.

The Siege of Orléans

• Start of the Siege: The Siege of Orléans began on October 12, 1428, when English forces, led by the Earl of Salisbury, laid siege to the city, a strategic stronghold on the Loire River.
• Strategic Importance: Orléans was crucial for the French as its fall would have allowed the English to advance further into the heart of France.

Joan of Arc’s Role

• Divine Inspiration: Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl from Domrémy, claimed to have received visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and help drive the English out of France.
• Royal Support: After convincing Charles VII of her divine mission, Joan was granted a small army and sent to Orléans.

Arrival and Impact

• Entry into Orléans: Joan entered the besieged city on April 29, 1429, bringing much-needed supplies and reinforcements, boosting the morale of the French defenders.
• Symbol of Hope: Her presence galvanized the French troops and citizens, who saw her as a symbol of divine intervention and hope.

Aftermath and Significance

• Lifting the Siege: Under Joan’s leadership, French forces launched a series of successful assaults on the English positions, culminating in the lifting of the siege on May 8, 1429.
• Turning Point: The victory at Orléans marked a significant turning point in the Hundred Years’ War, leading to a series of French victories and the eventual coronation of Charles VII in Reims.
• Legacy: Joan of Arc became a national heroine of France, later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.

Joan’s arrival at Orléans and the subsequent lifting of the siege not only altered the course of the war but also cemented her place in history as a symbol of courage and faith.