Siege of Orléans
Orléans, on the River Loire, France
What happened
An English army, led first by the Earl of Salisbury and then the Earl of Suffolk and Lord Talbot, besieged the French city, which was relieved by Joan of Arc, Jean de Dunois and La Hire. During the Hundred Years' War, the English surrounded Orléans and built forts to cut it off. In April 1429 a young woman named Joan of Arc arrived with supplies and new hope. Within days the French captured the English forts by the bridge, and on 8 May the English marched away.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was a turning point of the Hundred Years' War. It made Joan of Arc famous and opened the way for Charles VII to be crowned.
What came next
The French won a run of victories along the Loire, including Patay. On 17 July 1429 Charles VII was crowned king at Reims.
Did you know?
Orléans has celebrated Joan of Arc every May since 1432, with a young woman riding through the city dressed in armour.
Timeline
- 12 October 1428The English begin the siege.
- 29 April 1429Joan of Arc arrives with a relief convoy.
- 8 May 1429The English withdraw; the siege ends.
- 18 June 1429The French win at Patay.
- 17 July 1429Charles VII is crowned at Reims.