Trial and execution of Joan of Arc
Rouen, France
What happened
A church court in Rouen, headed by the pro-English Bishop Pierre Cauchon, put Joan of Arc on trial for heresy. The trial began on 9 January 1431, but Joan was not asked to answer questions until 21 February. She was found guilty and executed in Rouen on 30 May 1431.
Why it matters
Joan had helped lead French forces and had stood beside Charles VII at his crowning. The English wanted the court to weaken his claim to the throne. The trial is one of the most famous in history.
What came next
In 1456 a new court reviewed the case and overturned the verdict, finding it tainted by unfair practices. In 1920 the Catholic Church declared Joan a saint.
Did you know?
At the trial a judge asked Joan whether she was in God's grace. She answered: "If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me." The answer avoided the judges' trap.
Timeline
- 23 May 1430Joan is captured near Compiègne and later handed over to the English.
- 9 January 1431Her trial for heresy begins in Rouen.
- 21 February 1431Joan is first questioned in public.
- 30 May 1431Joan is executed in Rouen.
- 1456A new court overturns the verdict.
- 1920Joan is declared a saint.