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1428–1453

Joan of Arc and the siege of Orléans

Read siege, coronation and trial within the Hundred Years War.

Orléans

War over succession and alliances

When Joan arrived, soldiers and inhabitants were already sustaining besieged Orléans. Royal claims and regional alliances shaped the conflict. People did not align neatly by today’s French and English national identities.

Armagnac–Burgundian rivalry and Anglo-Burgundian alliance complicate modern national categories. Orléans mattered within Charles VII’s political and military position.

[1] Bibliothèque nationale de France[4] Musées d’Orléans

From Orléans to Reims

Relief in 1429 changed the military situation; Charles VII’s coronation at Reims followed. Military capacity and royal legitimacy reinforced each other. Joan acted within the work of commanders, soldiers and suppliers.

[1] Bibliothèque nationale de France[4] Musées d’Orléans

War after the execution

Joan’s execution in 1431 did not end the war. The Treaty of Arras changed alliances in 1435; major fighting continued to Castillon in 1453. Later images and names often condensed this longer political and military history into one heroic symbol.

[1] Bibliothèque nationale de France[3] Bibliothèque nationale de France[4] Musées d’Orléans[2] Bibliothèque nationale de France

Before and after

  1. 1428

    The siege began.

  2. 1429

    Relief and coronation at Reims.

  3. 1431

    Execution at Rouen.

  4. 1435

    The Treaty of Arras altered alliances.

  5. 1453

    Conventional endpoint of the Hundred Years’ War.

Key terms

Siege
Surrounding a place and restricting movement or supplies.
Coronation
A ritual presenting royal status.
Legitimacy
Recognition of a claim to rule as valid.

What supports the account?

Different forces also existed within France. Rival claims cannot be reduced to two uniform groups following modern borders.

The siege, rival claims, coronation, trial and course of war. Names, later historical writing and heroic representation.

Limits of the evidence

Later national images differ from contemporary alliances.

[1] Bibliothèque nationale de France[2] Bibliothèque nationale de France

Military relief and royal coronation served different purposes. Legitimacy involved more than force alone.

The siege, rival claims, coronation, trial and course of war. Names, later historical writing and heroic representation.

Limits of the evidence

One hero cannot explain the full military course.

[1] Bibliothèque nationale de France[2] Bibliothèque nationale de France

Check your understanding

Choose an answer to reveal the explanation. Return to the article and sources when you are unsure.

1. Why study relief of Orléans and coronation at Reims together?

Sources

  1. La guerre de Cent AnsBibliothèque nationale de France

    The siege, rival claims, coronation, trial and course of war.

  2. Jeanne d’Arc: teaching resource on heroesBibliothèque nationale de France

    Names, later historical writing and heroic representation.

  3. La fin de la guerreBibliothèque nationale de France

    The continuation of war after 1431 until 1453.

  4. Siege and changing alliancesMusées d’Orléans

    Rival royal claims, relief in 1429, the Treaty of Arras in 1435 and 1453.

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